Long lines, some turned away at LA County food distribution event as inflation rises
Long lines of cars stretched around the block in Baldwin Park, California, on Wednesday as families in the Los Angeles suburb waited for food assistance at a large-scale distribution event that organizers said ended early after supplies ran out.
The drive-through giveaway, hosted by Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis in partnership with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, was originally scheduled to run from 9 a.m. to noon and aimed to assist up to 2,000 families.
Organizers confirmed to ABC News that the distribution wrapped up around 11:30 a.m. local time after all available food had been handed out. Roughly 2,000 families received assistance, while some people waiting in line were turned away once supplies were depleted, organizers said.
Footage from local ABC station KABC-TV showed traffic stretching around the block near the distribution site as residents waited in long lines Wednesday morning.
"The stories as I’m talking to people, they're telling me that they are food insecure or they don't have jobs or they're working three or four jobs," Solis told KABC.
One resident, Jose Torres of Baldwin Park, said rising prices have made it difficult for many families to get by.
"It's really bad, that's why we're here," Torres told KABC. "Prices are going sky high. Everything's really pricey. Even the gas and everything, so it makes it a little bit hard."
The event comes as many Americans continue to struggle with rising food and gas prices. Grocery prices in the U.S. increased in April at the fastest yearly rate in nearly four years, according to recent government data.
Fresh vegetable prices rose 11.5% compared to a year ago, while seafood prices increased 6.2%, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Tomato prices also jumped nearly 39% over the past year.
Analysts told ABC News that higher diesel costs linked to global oil disruptions have also increased transportation and supply chain expenses for grocery items.
Ahead of Wednesday's event, organizers said the food distribution was intended to help families facing ongoing economic pressure and gaps in food access.
Food was provided on a first-come, first-served basis, with no eligibility requirements to participate.
Supervisor Solis previously hosted a similar food distribution event in El Monte in April that provided 2,500 food kits, organizers said.
Additional food distribution events are planned in Montebello and South El Monte later this month.
