Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Pasadena Community Foundation Expands Food Security Grants Amid Rising Hunger

[photo credit: Pasadena Community Foundation]

The foundation supports 12 local nonprofits and faith-based organizations as food insecurity rises in Pasadena

As cuts to federal food assistance ripple across the nation, the Pasadena Community Foundation has awarded grants to 12 local nonprofits and faith-based organizations to help meet surging demand for food in the Greater Pasadena area.

The announcement comes after reductions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) threatened 42 million Americans, including nearly one million households in Los Angeles County. Local officials estimate about 17,000 Pasadena residents are currently experiencing hunger.

In late October, PCF joined with nonprofit leaders, community organizers, and City of Pasadena officials to confront the growing crisis. The foundation launched its Food Security Grant Program in 2022 to support food pantries and distribution centers rooted in their neighborhoods. PCF said the grants provide not only food but also dignity, cultural relevance and community belonging.

This year’s recipients include:

• First Church of the Nazarene of Pasadena (PazNaz), 3700 E Sierra Madre Blvd in Pasadena
• First United Methodist Church of Pasadena, 500 East Colorado Boulevard
• Foothill Unity Center – Pasadena site, 191 North Oak Avenue
• Friends in Deed Food Pantry (“The Pantry at Friends in Deed”), 444 East Washington Boulevard
• Hill Avenue Grace Lutheran Church, 73 North Hill Avenue
• Pasadena Community Job Center / Mano a Mano Pantry, 500 North Lake Avenue
• Pasadena Senior Center, 85 East Holly Street
• PACTL (Pasadena/Altadena Coalition of Transformative Leaders), 236 West Mountain Street, Suite 201
• PCC Lancer Pantry – Pasadena City College, 1570 East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena (Room R-125 / CC-211 on campus)
• Saint Andrew Church – St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank, St. Andrew Church: 311 North Raymond Avenue; St. Vincent de Paul: 140 Chestnut Street
• Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle Corps – Diane and John Mullin Hope Center, 960 East Walnut Street
• Union Station Homeless Services, Family Center campus: 825 East Orange Grove Boulevard; Adult Center: 412 South Raymond Avenue

“On Day 1 of Dinner in the Park this week, the car line was the longest I have ever seen. We were able to meet the need yesterday, but our pantry is now wiped! This grant will help us purchase the items needed for our distribution of prepared food next week and keep our emergency food program going,” said Amanda Green, chief operating officer of Union Station Homeless Services, on Nov. 20.

Local food banks continue to report overwhelming demand and dwindling supplies despite emergency funding and community donations. The nonprofit organization said the grants are designed to ensure shelves remain stocked and doors stay open as the region confronts widening food insecurity.

“At PCF, we believe that no one in our community should go hungry,” the foundation said in its announcement, spotlighting its pledge to continue working with nonprofit partners, community organizers and city leaders to strengthen the safety net for vulnerable residents.