Hope on Wheels: How a Food Truck is Supporting LA Fire Victims – A Priest’s Inspiring Outreach

(OSV News) — When wildfires hit Los Angeles, local Capuchin Franciscan friars had to evacuate and found temporary shelter at the Pasadena Convention Center. Alongside many others seeking refuge, they quickly realized that many people were in need of food.

“We saw a clear need for food,” said Father Christopher Iwancio, who oversees the friars’ “Capuchin Family Kitchen” food truck. He turned to a fellow friar and asked, “Can we get the truck going to help these folks?” That simple question ignited a significant relief effort, drawing in volunteers and donations from hundreds of people.

By mid-January, the friars weren’t just delivering meals to evacuees at the convention center but also serving first responders at the nearby Rose Bowl stadium.

Working with World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit that feeds those affected by disasters, they set up an official food site at St. Francis High School in La Cañada Flintridge. Typically, the food truck serves a few hundred meals weekly to the homeless in Southern California. However, in just over a week, they provided around 4,000 meals to those impacted by the fires.

Beyond offering food, the friars aimed to provide hope and companionship. “We can’t replace what people have lost,” Father Iwancio explained. “But we can support them and remind them that they are not alone in this struggle.” He emphasized that their mission goes beyond just feeding the body; it’s also about nourishing the soul. “Listening and offering comfort can be just as vital,” he said.

After the fires, when the friars returned to their residence, which is adjacent to the affected area, they held a blessing from the balcony, visible to the still-smoldering hills. The school itself remained safe, and Father Iwancio mentioned that many students were eager to help. “At least 75 students volunteered, joined by over 20 staff members and alumni who provided additional support, like crafting snack bags,” he noted.

Father Iwancio has now shifted back to serving the homeless with the food truck, but he remarked, “There’s been an increase in need. The housing crisis has worsened due to the fires.” 

The friars are broadening their relief efforts beyond food. “This was just the first round,” Father Iwancio said. As the situation improved, they began delivering essential supplies like personal protective equipment and even air purifiers to help individuals return to their homes.

Drawing from his past experience with relief efforts following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Father Iwancio understands that recovery won’t be quick. “This isn’t just a two-month ordeal; it’s a long journey that could take years.”

This effort exemplifies the spirit of community. Father Iwancio noted how diverse groups came together, emphasizing, “In a divided country, it’s heartening to see people of various faiths and beliefs uniting for a common cause.”

“It shows that we can care for one another,” he concluded. “We just need to focus on others instead of ourselves.”

Katie Yoder writes for OSV News from the Washington area.

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