On an unusually rainy Saturday just before Thanksgiving, Irvine residents, businesses, and volunteers came together for Operation Bridge the Gap. The emergency food drive was launched in response to the disruption of CalFresh/SNAP benefits.
This one-day event was hosted by the City of Irvine — in partnership with South County Outreach, Orange County Hunger Alliance, Greater Irvine Chamber of Commerce, and a number of Irvine-based businesses — to demonstrate the community’s commitment to ensuring that no individual in Irvine goes hungry.
More than 3,300 pounds of food was collected during the five hour drive-thru event at City Hall. The essential shelf-stable items were distributed to five Irvine food pantries: South County Outreach; Families Forward; UCI Basic Needs Hub; Mariners Church; and Radiant Health Centers.
The event also raised more than $33,000, which will allow local organizations to purchase fresh produce, dairy, and protein to fill ongoing gaps by extending support to more households facing uncertainty.
“We are proud of how our Irvine community stepped up to support our most vulnerable neighbors,” Mayor Larry Agran said. “The response reflects our City’s commitment to ensuring every resident has access to nutritious food. Despite uncertainty around the CalFresh program, the City worked quickly and collaboratively to help Irvine families in need. Moments like this remind us why strong, responsive local government is essential to the well-being of our community.”
“What we witnessed on Saturday is the very best of Irvine,” said LaVal Brewer, CEO of South County Outreach. “Families facing hunger can’t wait for clear skies, and this community didn’t either. Through the rain, people showed up with bags of groceries, open hearts, and a shared belief that helping our neighbors is what defines us. These donations will put food on tables this week — and hope back into homes during an uncertain time.”
Dave Coffaro, President & CEO of the Greater Irvine Chamber, said: “We are grateful to our business community for coming together in support of this mission with the City of Irvine. It is truly inspirational to see what neighbors helping neighbors looks like in a challenging situation like this.”
For community members looking for a meaningful way to give back, the City of Irvine welcomes volunteers to help with its monthly Food Box Distribution events. Learn how to get involved or how to receive a free food box for your family at the City’s website here.
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