In a shocking blow to vulnerable communities in Southern California, federal budget cuts are poised to devastate essential meal service organizations, with Project Angel Food facing a staggering 30% reduction in funding—equating to a loss of $340,000. This dramatic cut comes from the president’s controversial “big beautiful bill,” and its repercussions are already sending shockwaves through the region.

Founded during the AIDS epidemic, Project Angel Food delivers an astonishing 1.5 million meals annually to those battling chronic illnesses. Yet, as officials scramble to respond to the financial crisis, the organization is resolute in its mission, declaring, “My donors called me up and said, ‘Can you scale back services?’ The answer is no. These people need us.” The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated; without immediate support, countless lives hang in the balance.

Meanwhile, Meals on Wheels is also grappling with significant funding losses, leaving many seniors at risk of going hungry. The crisis extends further, with alarming reports suggesting that 22 million Americans could be stripped of their SNAP benefits, exacerbating food insecurity across the nation.

As the clock ticks, Project Angel Food is launching an urgent appeal for donations, desperately seeking to bridge the funding gap and maintain their vital services. The stakes are high, and the community’s response will be critical in determining whether these organizations can continue their life-saving work.

This unfolding situation demands immediate attention. The vulnerable populations of Southern California are counting on the community to rally together and ensure that no one is left behind. The time to act is now—before it’s too late.