The Mountain View School District (MVSD) in Los Angeles County has recently launched a new initiative to address food insecurity among some of its students’ families. The district has opened a food pantry that is accessible to the community, benefiting thousands of students and their families.
Located at 2740 Mountain View Road in El Monte City, the new pantry was unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday. Superintendent Raymond Andry explained that due to the prevalence of food insecurity within the district and the inadequate access to nutritious meals for some families, MVSD collaborated with various partners such as Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis, the city of Industry, God’s Pantry, Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and the El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce to launch the new pantry project.
Situated at the heart of the San Gabriel Valley, the Mountain View School District serves students from infancy through 8th grade across 8 schools. The area where the district is located has a lower economic status, resulting in over 1,100 children within the district experiencing malnutrition issues.
Citing statistical data, Andry highlighted that over forty percent of adults in Los Angeles County face food insecurity, a rate higher than the national average, with a worsening trend since 2021. In 2023, approximately 44% of households in the county experienced food insecurity, predominantly affecting low-income families, women, Hispanic residents, and individuals aged 18 to 40.
Andry emphasized, “If these children come to school but their families lack adequate food, the children are not prepared to learn.” He added, “For this reason, we need to provide this service to ensure that children receive a better education.”
Since its launch in August, the new food pantry has assisted over six hundred families and received positive feedback. Yadira Mesa, a parent with three children in the Mountain View School District, praised the project for its community-wide accessibility, noting that it benefits everyone.
According to district promotional materials, the pantry provides services twice a month from 2 to 4 p.m.
Educational board member Cindy Wu shared that when residents come to collect food, staff does not check identities or inquire about income. Any local resident in need can receive free food, “They will give you a bag, and then you can take what you need.”
Wu advised residents to arrive early due to long queues during food distribution events to secure a place in line.
Mrs. Huang, responsible for connecting with Chinese parents in the district’s family center, mentioned that since August, the pantry has already served over 20 Chinese residents each time, with positive reviews highlighting the freshness of the fruits provided.
Congresswoman Grace Napolitano from California’s 31st district, Supervisor Solis, the El Monte City and Industry City governments, and Christine Knight, the Executive Director of the El Monte/South El Monte Chamber of Commerce, all praised the project’s community impact and presented accolades to the school district in appreciation.
Congresswoman Grace Napolitano sent a congratulatory message for the opening of the new food pantry at the school district, while accolades were also given to partners such as Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and God’s Kitchen by the district on the same day.