Hollywood Food Coalition: A Community Changing Lives One Meal at a Time
HoFoCo has become a beacon of hope for countless individuals, embodying the philosophy that small acts of kindness can lead to transformative outcomes.
In the heart of Hollywood, Hollywood Food Coalition (HoFoCo) is creating waves of change by tackling food insecurity and homelessness with innovation, compassion, and community collaboration. Through its efforts, HoFoCo has become a beacon of hope for countless individuals, embodying the philosophy that small acts of kindness can lead to transformative outcomes.
Among their programs, HoFoCo rescues 2.5 million pounds of surplus food from local restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores and other businesses annually that would otherwise be discarded, and ensures that this nutritious food is redirected to those in need. The organization collects these items and prepares 90,000 multi-course meals to low-income and food-insecure individuals each year. This initiative not only reduces food waste but also provides a crucial lifeline to vulnerable populations in Hollywood, offering both nourishment and dignity to those who may otherwise go without. HoFoCo also provides additional resources, including new clothes, shoes, blankets, laundry vouchers, hygiene items, and cold and hot weather gear to support the wellness of the individuals in their community.
A Mission Rooted in Community
Since 1987, HoFoCo has served as a grassroots organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity and providing nourishment any day of the year. The coalition’s mission transcends providing meals as executive director, Arnali Ray explained, "For us, food is the foundation, but our goal is to create a catalyst for change, empowering people to rebuild their lives and break the poverty cycle."
HoFoCo’s approach is holistic, offering a range of programs beyond meals. "Besides our Community Dinner and Community Exchange Program, we have a Wellness Program that connects people to essential services," Arnali added. Through partnerships with organizations like UCLA and Housing Works, HoFoCo provides triage medical care, housing navigation, and even arts programming such as woodworking workshops. These initiatives aim to address the root causes of poverty while fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Partnering for Impact
Entertainment Partners (EP) has been a key supporter of HoFoCo’s mission, helping to provide nourishment and essential resources to the underserved population of Los Angeles County. Through volunteering, advocacy, and financial contributions, EP has played a pivotal role in amplifying HoFoCo’s reach. "Entertainment Partners is such a valuable supporter of ours," said Arnali. "We are grateful for their involvement in helping us highlight our mission and make a greater impact."
EP’s partnership underscores the importance of corporate collaboration in addressing community challenges. By joining forces with HoFoCo, EP is helping to ensure that those in need have access to food, support services, and the tools necessary to rebuild their lives.
Stories of Transformation
HoFoCo’s impact is best illustrated through the lives it has transformed. One such story is that of a former prominent hairdresser who fell into homelessness after struggling with addiction. "He overdosed twice on our campus, and our security guard had to revive him with Narcan," shared Arnali. Through persistent efforts and collaborations with local partners, HoFoCo secured bridge housing for him. "Now, he’s thriving—wearing suits, smiling, and full of life again. He still visits us daily because of the community he feels here."
Another powerful story involves a woman and her 12-year-old daughter fleeing domestic violence. Facing a dire lack of resources, HoFoCo’s team mobilized quickly to find them shelter. "One of our partners, Alexandria House, cleared a room for them that night. The next morning, we got them into bridge housing," Arnali explained. This swift action underscores HoFoCo’s commitment to addressing crises with urgency and compassion.
Adapting to Challenges
During the Hollywood strikes, HoFoCo observed a surge in food insecurity among workers in the entertainment industry. "We saw an uptick in people who couldn’t make it to the end of the month, especially crews living paycheck to paycheck," noted the team. In response, the organization mobilized resources through social media and partnerships, ensuring that those in need had access to food and essentials.
Looking to the Future
As HoFoCo continues to grow, its leaders are focused on expanding their reach and creating a more approachable space for those in need. "We want to create a space that feels accessible to everyone," shared Arnali. The organization is preparing to move into a new, larger facility that will double their refrigeration capacity and enable partnerships with nonprofits and a local BIPOC farm. "With this new space, we aim to bring in more culturally relevant food and offer greater choice to the people we serve."
This innovative model also emphasizes coalition-building. "There’s a fundamental belief that we’re stronger together. By collaborating with other nonprofits, we can amplify our impact and ensure no one is left behind," the team emphasized.
How to Get Involved
HoFoCo’s work relies heavily on community support. Volunteers are the backbone of the organization, and opportunities abound for individuals and groups to contribute. "We heavily rely on volunteers—individuals and corporate groups alike. Advocacy, spreading awareness, and donations are also vital to sustaining and expanding our programs," said Arnali.
For those interested in making a difference, HoFoCo welcomes contributions of time, money, and resources. Whether it’s preparing meals, sharing their mission on social media, or donating funds, every action helps sustain this critical work.
A Lasting Impact
Hollywood Food Coalition is more than an organization; it’s a lifeline for those in need and a model of how communities can come together to create meaningful change. By addressing food insecurity and building pathways to stability, HoFoCo proves that compassion and collaboration can transform lives and neighborhoods alike.
For more information on how to get involved, visit the Hollywood Food Coalition website or follow them on social media. Together, we can ensure that no one in Hollywood goes hungry or without hope.