November 4th, 2025

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, Los Angeles County Supervisors advanced Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Janice Hahn’s motion to strengthen the Office of Food Systems (OFS) — a critical County hub working to ensure equitable food access, public health, and resilience in the face of growing need and federal uncertainty.

The motion comes as Los Angeles County continues to confront rising food insecurity fueled by the ongoing federal shutdown, deep cuts to key nutrition programs like CalFresh and Local Food for Schools, and the lasting impacts of natural disasters. More than 1.5 million Angelenos are currently without their CalFresh benefits, and families are struggling to keep food on the table.

“In a time of growing need and uncertainty, we must deliver stability, partnership, and real progress for the people we serve through our food systems,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “This motion strengthens how Los Angeles County protects food access, unites departments under one shared vision, and empowers the Office of Food Systems to lead with coordination and purpose — now and in the years ahead. It reflects our commitment to long-term solutions that ensure every Angeleno can rely on an accessible and resilient food system.”

“The threat of food insecurity still hangs over too many families across LA County on any given day. Supervisor Kuehl and I launched the original Food Equity Roundtable to find long-term solutions, and today we’re taking the next step in that long-term strategy to make sure no one goes hungry here,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn.

The Office of Food Systems (OFS), originally established as the Office of Food Equity, grew out of the County’s Food Equity Roundtable created in 2021. It operates as a public-private partnership between Los Angeles County and Community Partners, supported by the Annenberg Foundation, Weingart Foundation, and California Community Foundation. Since beginning operations in January 2025, OFS has led coordinated food responses across County agencies and strengthened partnerships that advance equitable and resilient food systems.

“We are grateful for the support and vision of the Supervisors in furthering the work of this Office, and in recognizing the need for cross-departmental coordination to increase affordable access to food, strengthen local food economies including worker wellbeing, and improve the environmental aspects of our food system, which will lead to a more resilient and healthy food system for all Angelenos,” said Paula Daniels, Executive Director of the County’s Office of Food Systems.

The new motion expands OFS’s ability to coordinate across departments and respond quickly when food access is threatened. It aligns County leadership around shared priorities, ensures clear accountability, and positions OFS to guide long-term planning and investment in local food systems.

Specifically, the motion would:

• Establish formal collaboration between OFS and all County departments, each designating a Food Systems Liaison.
• Require an interim progress report by June 16, 2026, and a final strategic plan by October 20, 2026.
• Strengthen coordination on state and federal food policy through the Legislative Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations unit.

This comes as Los Angeles County has funded a $10 million contract with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank to significantly expand their food purchasing capacity for November, and set up additional pop-up sites and drive-through pantry locations to reach more families through an existing network of 940 food pantries across the County. Anyone experiencing food insecurity, can visit https://www.lafoodbank.org/find-food/pantry-locator/.

More Information

Read the Motion >
Food Banks in the Third District >

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