COUNCILMEMBER RAMAN ANNOUNCES DONATION TO NORTH HOLLYWOOD INTERFAITH FOOD PANTRY AHEAD OF NOVEMBER 1ST SNAP DELAYS

For Immediate Release: October 31, 2025

Los Angeles, CA – Today, Councilmember Nithya Raman announced her office will be donating $25,000 from Council District 4 discretionary funds to the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry (NHIFP) ahead of the expected cut off of federal food assistance on November 1st. As the federal shutdown continues into its second month, 42 million Americans – and 5.5 million Californians – are expected to lose federal food assistance benefits through SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry (NHIFP) is a non-profit organization that provides free food to people experiencing food insecurity in the Los Angeles area. The pantry regularly distributes 500-600 bags of weekly groceries, but has seen a significant increase in need this year, with distribution up 26% from last year. Following the federal government shutdown and threat of SNAP funding ending, the pantry has seen an additional uptick of 33%. 

“With about 1.5 million Angelenos relying on food assistance from programs like SNAP, the consequences of the federal government’s shutdown are real and dire – families are going hungry,” said Councilmember Nithya Raman. “I’m grateful we can provide the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry with additional funds as they step up to meet this surge in need among our most vulnerable communities. My office is sounding the alarm, and I urge others to join the call.”

“It has been very gratifying to learn how much the community seeks to support others during difficult times. Our area has experienced many scary situations in the past few years, including fires, industry strikes, and increases in the general cost of most items we take for granted – food, fuel, rent,” said Dr. Reverend Louise Goben, NIHFP Board President. “We have come to understand that food is available – the challenge is getting it to those who need it most. That is our whole reason for being; making sure that food gets into people’s hands. The NHIFP relies on the generosity and support of the whole community and we are grateful to Councilmember Raman.”

“We are so grateful to Councilmember Raman for this generous donation, allowing us to provide hundreds of meals to the most vulnerable in our community,” said Rabbi Sarah Hronsky, NHIFP Board Member. “As food needs continue to increase, and with SNAP funding’s return unclear, we encourage all in the community to support your local food pantries.”

The North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that strives to meet the needs of those living with food insecurity in our community with dignity and respect. The pantry has been in existence for 42 years and is a volunteer-run coalition of various religious institutions and individuals who work together to distribute bags of weekly groceries on Mondays and Fridays from 7:30AM – 11:00AM. If you are in need of food assistance, or would like to volunteer/donate, please visit www.nhifp.org.

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