Need for Food

Your article “Charity Giving Outpaced by Rising Demands” (Dec. 25) accurately portrayed the need for food at the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank during these tough times. However, one point made in the article should be emphasized. Individual giving, with respect to food and funds, makes a difference.

Food company donations were largely responsible for our having distributed over 32 million pounds (not tons) of food by the end of November. Individuals helped us sustain our distribution through holiday food drives.

Fight Hunger Day (Dec. 17), sponsored by KCBS-TV, KNX News Radio and KCBS-FM, made it possible for people throughout Southern California to contribute over 100 tons of food and $21,000.

Fight Hunger Day and 52 other food drives expanded our perilously meager food supply to help people in tragic circumstances. It is painful to see that the problem of hunger has grown worse in the 10 years I have been in food-banking, but I am heartened by the increase in individual giving.

DORIS BLOCH

Executive Director

Los Angeles Regional Foodbank