Loyola Marymount University Celebrates Feed the Hungry’s Impact on Community Welfare

Campus Ministry’s Feed the Hungry program, a student-led initiative tackling social justice, recently earned recognition from Safe Place for Youth. This award highlights their collaborative spirit and dedication to connecting communities.

As the program approaches its 28th anniversary, it gathers students, staff, and faculty every Thursday at 11 a.m. in front of Sacred Heart Chapel. They prepare 60-80 sack lunches for unhoused transitional youth at the SPY Access Center in Venice. “This award reflects our shared commitment to those facing food insecurity,” shared Flor Ordonez, the campus minister who has coordinated the program since 2024.

Feed the Hungry began in 1998 after LMU student Theresa Thibodeaux met a teenager struggling with food and housing insecurity. This encounter sparked her desire to make a change, leading to the launch of the program. “I wondered how a wealthy country could allow its own citizens to suffer like this,” Thibodeaux recalled. Her passion fueled the initiative, which continues to grow and inspire others.

“It’s rewarding to know that LMU and Campus Ministry are dedicated to meeting the needs of our community,” Ordonez added. She encourages the campus community to join them in volunteering on Thursdays for this impactful service. Interested individuals can reach out to her directly for more information at flor.ordonez@lmu.edu or call 310.338.7597.

Furthermore, recent statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture reveal that food insecurity affects nearly 10% of American households. This underscores the importance of programs like Feed the Hungry, which not only address immediate needs but also foster a sense of community and belonging. By volunteering, students can make a tangible difference while gaining a deeper understanding of social issues that affect many in their community.

For more information on similar initiatives and their impact, you can explore the Feeding America research that details the challenges of food insecurity across the nation.

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