Heroes Among Us: Project Angel Food

LOS ANGELES - Project Angel Food cooks, prepares and delivers 15,000 meals a week for people living with critical illnesses and the work they're doing is even more crucial during the coronavirus pandemic as more than 62% of the individuals they feed are 60 and older and have compromised immune systems which place them at greater risk. 

For that reason, FOX 11 is highlighting the work they do in our "Heroes Among Us" series.

Since its inception thirty years ago, Project Angel Food has prepared and delivered more than 12 million meals – currently 15,000 per week – free of charge to men, women and children living with critical illnesses.

Project Angel Food has expanded its initial mission from serving people living with HIV/AIDS to include medically tailored meals, prepared by staff and volunteers, for those combatting cancer, kidney failure, diabetes, and congestive heart disease.

The mission has always remained intact, to feed and nourish the sick, by delivering healthy nutritious meals throughout 4,400 square miles of Los Angeles County.

More than 98% of Project Angel Food clients are living at or below the poverty level, and Project Angel Food is their lifeline, filling a vital need in all communities. 

Six days a week, 80% of the Vine Street kitchen workforce is fueled by volunteer power. In just two days, Project Angel Food has had 18 volunteer groups cancel and three fundraisers postponed indefinitely.

The recent cancellations represent 200 people and 800 hours of labor lost.

As a result, the organization is asking Angelenos who are healthy to step up and help them continue their service uninterrupted. Interested individuals are being asked to email volunteers@angelfood.org or call 323-845-1832.

Do you know of a person or company that is going above and beyond to help others during this time? We want to hear from you, submit your nomination here.