With the rise in food prices and the overall cost of living, more people are in need of help to feed themselves and their families.
Access to affordable food was a challenge for one in four households in Los Angeles County in 2025. While low-income families make up the majority of people who are food insecure, higher-income households who do not have access to healthy, affordable food has steadily increased in recent years, according to a USC Dornsife study published in December.
Here is a running list of available food banks and other similar resources in Koreatown, Pico Union and Westlake. This guide will be updated with new entries and if any locations change their policies.
Many of the listed organizations recommend calling ahead to answer any questions about availability and the types of resources available to the public.
- Bresee Foundation
184 S Bimini Place
Phone: (213) 387-2822
Mondays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The Bresee Foundation was founded in 1982 by community members to address systematic disadvantages faced by local residents. Originally a tutoring program intended to keep local youth off the streets, the Bresee Foundation currently aims to uplift Los Angeles residents into long-term prosperity.
Type of goods: Non-perishables, fruits, and vegetables - Immanuel Presbyterian Church
663 S Berendo Street
Phone: (213) 389-3191
Wednesdays and Fridays, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
The Immanuel Presbyterian Church has been around since 1929 on Wilshire Boulevard. They look to serve the varied needs of the people of Los Angeles and the world. They aim to serve low income families as well as individuals experiencing homelessness with pre-made lunches, grocery kits, and clothing donations.
Types of goods: Non-perishables, vegetables, and fruits - Karsh Family Social Service Center
3750 W 6th Street
Phone: (213) 401-4651
Tuesdays, 12 p.m. and Sundays 8 a.m.
Guided by Jewish Values, the Karsh Family Social Service Center provides accessible social services to help improve the lives of underserved communities. They also provide community workshops, computer classes, ESL classes, legal support, and a community closet. Registration is required to receive any groceries.
Types of goods: Dried and canned goods, fruits, vegetables - St. James Episcopal Church
3903 Wilshire Blvd.
Phone: (213) 388-3417
Soup Kitchen Tuesday, 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Hot meals served Friday 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Food Bank: Thursday, 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.
St. James is a historic Episcopal church built in a Gothic revival style and holds religious services every week in both Korean and English as well as classical and choral concerts every season.
Types of goods: Fruits, vegetables, and non-perishables - Wilshire Presbyterian Church
300 S Western Ave
Phone: (213) 387-5387
Monday, 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Since 1912 Wilshire Presbyterian Church has been on 3rd and Western, serving as a neighborhood church inclusive to all. Providing grocery bags and outreach to local community members.
Types of goods: Canned goods, bagged groceries - Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
3250 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300
Phone: (323) 361-5981
Wednesday from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Founded in 1901 Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is a leader in pediatric and adolescent health. They aim to support their communities, especially underserved populations.
Types of goods: Food bank provides non-perishables - Pico Union Project
1153 Valencia Street
Phone: (213) 915-0084
Thursday, 10:30 a.m. until supplies last
The Pico Union Project is a community center housed in LA’s oldest synagogue building. They aim to foster health resilience and neighborhood revitalization. Looking to provide hope and equity through free, fresh produce, healthcare, creative expression, and meaningful work.
Types of goods: Produce, dry and canned goods - The Salvation Army
1532 W 11th St
Phone: (213) 381-3747
Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. until supplies last
Wednesday, Friday 11:30 a.m. until supplies last
The Salvation Army is a religious movement centered on supporting communities in need through donations, counseling, and food pantries.
Organizers recommend participants arrive early, because lines form before the official start time.
Types of goods: Canned goods, vegetables, and fruits - Los Angeles First Church of the Nazarene
3401 W 3rd Street
Phone: (213) 385-6345
Every Saturday from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Since 1956 First Church of the Nazarene has looked to serve its community. They hold congregations serving the English, Korean, Spanish, and Filipino communities.
Organizers do not require any identification, but it’s strongly encouraged that participants bring their own bags for the food distribution.
Types of goods: Fruits, vegetables, and non-perishables - St. Thomas Center
2727 W Pico Boulevard
Phone: (323) 737-3325
Every second and third Saturday of the month
Since 1904 the St Thomas Center has provided mass in Spanish, as well as providing many other religious services for its community. Organizers say that walk-ins are welcome.
Types of goods: Canned goods, some other groceries - United University Church
2208 S. Union Avenue
Phone: (213) 748-0209
Thursday from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
The United University Church looks to lift up marginalized communities and protect the dignity of the oppressed. Organizers encourage participants to arrive early.
Types of goods: One meat item, fruits, and vegetables. - Central City Neighborhood Partners (CCNP)
501 S Bixel St
Phone: (213) 482-8618
Thursday from 8:30 a.m. until supplies last
CCNP is a non-profit organization looking to advance systemic change to benefit low-income communities through collaborations. They hope to advance economic opportunities for low-income families by fostering partnerships and supporting positive community change.
Types of goods: Dry and canned goods, produce, other groceries.
Do you have an organization that should be added to our guide? Does one of our listings need to be updated? Message us at nathan@thelalocal.org.