Island Pacific Supermarket recently completed a community-driven campaign, with volunteers joining efforts to assemble care packs and distribute food and beverages to wildfire-affected areas of Los Angeles.
To continue its efforts, Island Pacific is extending its free meals for first responders program until Jan. 20.
Relief goods were delivered to the L.A. Regional Food Bank in City of Industry, with two Island Pacific locations in Southern California serving as volunteer hubs. Volunteers picked up thousands of food and beverage items to distribute to regional centers.
The initiative was enhanced by SoCal Filipinos, an online Facebook community group that encouraged volunteers to support Island Pacific’s efforts and curated a list of GoFundMe campaigns for Filipino families affected by the wildfires (GoFund Me for Filipino Families).
“Witnessing the community come together was truly inspiring. We are deeply grateful to the volunteers, partners and everyone who contributed to this effort,” said Maite Defensor, CEO of Island Pacific Supermarket.
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Island Pacific’s Philhouse Restaurant is offering free meals to first responders at the following locations through Jan. 20: Canoga Park, Cerritos, Granada Hills, Lake Forest, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Santa Clarita and West Covina.
“Providing hot, comforting meals is the least we can do to thank first responders for their tireless service,” said Ramon Gumapac, VP of operations for Philhouse.
Island Pacific and SoCal Filipinos are committed to supporting Los Angeles as it recovers from the wildfires and will assess evolving needs to announce further relief efforts as necessary.
Island Pacific Supermarket is a Filipino-American grocery chain, offering a selection of authentic Filipino food products and a range of groceries to the community and beyond. It has multiple locations across California and Nevada.