People gather around a blue food truck and pop-up tent at an outdoor plaza event on a sunny day. — World Central Kitchen food truck after the LA County wildfires

An Unprecedented Winter Wildfire Season

This past January, during the devastating and unprecedented LA County wildfires, Food Fleet’s ability to quickly mobilize its network of food partners proved essential in supporting the community. Southern California’s fire season is always during the hot and dry summer months. But this year, the combination of the fierce Santa Ana winds and extreme drought set the scene for egregious wildfires to devastate the area during what are usually the wettest months of the year.

““This is our city. This is where we grew up. These are our people.””

— Rose Merto, Operations Manager

Rapid Response Led by Food Fleet Operations

This past January, during the devastating and unprecedented LA County wildfires, Food Fleet’s ability to quickly mobilize its network of food partners proved essential in supporting the community. Southern California’s fire season is always during the hot and dry summer months.

But this year, the combination of the fierce Santa Ana winds and extreme drought set the scene for egregious wildfires to devastate the area during what are usually the wettest months of the year.

Stories of Strength in the Midst of Loss

An early galvanizing moment was when Lauren Saravia, owner of Tropic Truck (one of Food Fleet’s longest-standing partners),lost her home to the Eaton Fire. Despite her devastating loss,Lauren continued to show up, feeding people day in and day out. “I can only imagine everything that she was feeling … that really touched us,” shared Mary. Food Fleet made it their priority to ensure she was well taken care of with continuous work, offering some stability during this time of upheaval.

“This is our city. This is where we grew up. These are our people,” Rose passionately shares. Driven by their deep roots in the city, Food Fleet fervently dispatched trucks to areas in need based on the constantly evolving demands.

Partnering with LADWP to Support First Responders

One of the most impactful partnerships that we established was with the LA Department of Water andPower. “We started feeding them five days a week for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, like 180 people for eachshift. For weeks, Food Fleet donated, until LADWP took over funding. It really helped support our food trucks,and then it allowed us to continue to give back,” Carly recounts.

Feeding Families Across Los Angeles

Beyond the financial donations, Food Fleet delivered warm meals to displaced community members andemergency responders across nine locations, including at the YMCAs in Sierra Madre and South Pasadena.None of this would have been possible without the nimbleness and generosity of our incredible partners,many of whom went above and beyond their contracted agreements to help feed their neighbors in need.

Partner Spotlight: SeaShare and the Wave Foundation

Through the efforts of SeaShare and the Wave Foundation, thousands of pounds of seafood made their way into the hands of families I Los Angeles displaced by the Palisades and Eaton fires.SeaShare has long served as the seafood industry’s coordinated response to hunger. Their work focuses on food rescue—bycatch from fishing boats, items with discontinued packaging, or charitable contributions made intentionally by partners who want to give back.