Non-Profit Seeks Thanksgiving Donations as Food Insecurity Deepens Across San Gabriel Valley

For thousands of San Gabriel Valley families, the Thanksgiving table may be harder to fill this year. Rising grocery costs, financial uncertainty and looming reductions in federal food assistance are placing new pressure on households already struggling to cover basic expenses.

Foothill Unity Center, which has served the region for more than four decades, is appealing to residents and businesses for donations ahead of its annual Thanksgiving food distributions on November 17 and 18 in Pasadena and Monrovia.

The nonprofit plans to distribute holiday food boxes containing ingredients and staples for a traditional Thanksgiving meal, offering some relief to working families, seniors and residents living on fixed incomes.

The appeal comes amid growing concern over changes to federal assistance programs. The sweeping budget reconciliation legislation is projected to reduce federal spending on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program by approximately $187 billion over the next decade.

Additional reductions in projected Medicaid spending could further strain household budgets, leaving less money available for groceries, rent and other necessities.

For organizations like Foothill Unity Center, those pressures are likely to increase reliance on charitable food programs at a time when community resources are already stretched.

Founded in 1980, the organization serves 12 San Gabriel Valley communities, providing food assistance alongside housing stability services, health programs, case management and employment resources.

Its immediate priority is gathering enough food and financial support to meet Thanksgiving demand.

The center is requesting grocery gift cards, canned corn, cranberry sauce, stuffing mix and cake mix. Monetary contributions will help purchase additional supplies, while volunteers are needed to pack and distribute holiday boxes.

The distributions will take place over two days, with walk-up service available Tuesday, November 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 191 N. Oak Avenue in Pasadena and 790 W. Chestnut Avenue in Monrovia.

A drive-through distribution is scheduled Wednesday, November 18, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Monrovia location.

Beyond the holiday meals, the organization faces a more enduring challenge. Food insecurity does not disappear after Thanksgiving, and families struggling in November will continue confronting many of the same financial pressures in December and beyond.

Foothill Unity Center is encouraging residents to consider ongoing support, rather than limiting their generosity to the holiday season.

Donations and information about the Thanksgiving campaign are available at foothillunitycenter.org/holidays. Volunteer opportunities can be found at foothillunitycenter.org/volunteer