How can I donate food in Pico Rivera, Montebello, or Whittier?
How PDLA and Food Cycle LA Are Closing the Hunger Gap in Pico Rivera, Montebello & Whittier
Surplus food that once went to landfills is now feeding families across the Gateway Cities. Here's how Padres De Los Angeles and Food Cycle LA are making it happen — and how you can help.
By Padres De Los Ángeles
Every day across the Gateway Cities, thousands of pounds of perfectly good food are discarded by restaurants, grocery stores, and catering companies — while families just miles away go hungry.
Quick Impact Summary
- ✓PDLA recovers surplus food from local businesses and redistributes it directly to families in Pico Rivera, Montebello, and Whittier.
- ✓Food Cycle LA helps organizations like ours intercept perishable and non-perishable items before they reach landfills.
- ✓100% of recovered food goes to community members — there are no processing fees or administrative deductions.
- ✓You can contribute by organizing a food drive, connecting us with a local business, or making a cash donation to cover logistics.
- ✓In 2025–2026, PDLA distributed 100+ meals through food recovery partnerships.
How Does Food Recovery Work in Pico Rivera and Montebello?
Food recovery is the organized collection of surplus food — items that are perfectly safe and nutritious but would otherwise be discarded — and redistributing them to people in need. Through our partnership with Food Cycle LA, PDLA coordinates pickups from local businesses, processes the items, and delivers them directly to families during our community distributions in Pico Rivera and Montebello.
Why Do Families in the Gateway Cities Face Food Insecurity?
Despite being a working-class region with strong community roots, Pico Rivera, Montebello, and Whittier have high rates of food insecurity driven by rising housing costs, low-wage employment, and limited access to fresh produce. Single-parent households are disproportionately affected — a parent working two jobs often has no time or transportation to reach a grocery store before it closes.
What Food Does PDLA Distribute?
Our food recovery distributions include fresh produce, bread and baked goods, canned and packaged staples, ready-to-eat meals, and — when available — culturally relevant foods that reflect the Latino heritage of our community. We accept food in all conditions that meet safety standards, and our volunteers are trained to assess quality before distribution.
How Can Local Businesses in Whittier, Pico Rivera, or Montebello Partner With Us?
If your restaurant, grocery store, or catering company generates surplus food regularly, PDLA can coordinate scheduled pickups through our Food Cycle LA partnership. There's no cost to you — we handle logistics, and you receive documentation for your tax-deductible food donation. Reach out at saul@padresdelosangeles.com or call 562-212-5689 to get started.
This is one of the most impactful ways a local business can give back. Instead of paying for disposal, your surplus becomes nutrition for a family in your own community.
Nutritious meals and grocery packages delivered to families across the Gateway Cities.
Single-parent households and at-risk families who received food support in 2025–2026.
Every item recovered goes directly to families — no administrative fees taken from food donations.
Active food distribution in Pico Rivera, Montebello, and Whittier, CA.
Help Us Feed More Families
A financial donation helps us cover the logistics costs of food recovery — fuel, supplies, and volunteer coordination. Even $25 helps us pick up and deliver hundreds of pounds of food.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this topic and how PDLA can help.
How can I donate food in Montebello or Pico Rivera?
You can drop off non-perishable food items at our distributions, or contact us to arrange a pickup. Call 562-212-5689 or email saul@padresdelosangeles.com to coordinate.
What is Food Cycle LA?
Food Cycle LA is a nonprofit food rescue organization that connects businesses generating food surplus with community organizations that redistribute it to people in need. PDLA is a partner organization that receives and distributes recovered food.
Can my Whittier business get a tax deduction for food donations?
Yes. Businesses donating food to qualifying nonprofits like PDLA may be eligible for enhanced deductions under the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act. We provide documentation for all food donations. Consult your tax advisor for specifics.
How do I volunteer for food distribution in Pico Rivera?
Email saul@padresdelosangeles.com with the subject 'Food Volunteer' or call 562-212-5689. We schedule regular distributions and always need help with sorting, packing, and delivery.
Is the food PDLA distributes safe?
Yes. All food meets California food safety standards. Our volunteers are trained to assess freshness and quality, and we never distribute items that don't meet our safety criteria.
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