A line of cars stretched around Christmas Tree Lane from the north side of Banc of California Stadium and onto Figueroa. Neatly arranged in two side-by-side lanes, the drivers inside waited patiently. Volunteers wearing familiar Black & Gold jerseys and t-shirts darted between the stationary cars, stopping to load boxes into the trunks.
It could have been a scene from a normal matchday if it weren’t for the masks worn by everyone in attendance and the pallets of fresh produce everywhere.
On Wednesday, in conjunction with partners Sustainable Economic Enterprises of Los Angeles (SEE-LA), Unite Local 11, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas’ office, Expo Park, Cedars-Sinai, and Everpark, LAFC hosted the fifth Veggie Box Donation event at Banc of California Stadium. The weekly event distributes boxes of fresh produce to pre-selected local families affected by the COVID-19.
This week’s drive-thru event resulted in the donation of 1,500 produce boxes to families. Originally slated for 1,100 boxes, LAFC and the LAFC Foundation donated $25k to provide an additional 400 produce boxes for LAFC part-time and stadium staff affected by the crisis and the suspension of the MLS season.
“It was time to go that extra mile,” LAFC Foundation Executive Director Alina Beruff said of the donation. “We wanted to make sure the part-time staff knew that we’re here to specifically support them. And that this is a Black & Gold initiative.”
So, what’s in the box? First off, it’s actually two boxes, Beruff said. One box includes fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes. The second box is filled with avocados, oranges, eggs, and oat milk from Califia Farms.
The Veggie Box Donation events have become part of LAFC and the LAFC Foundations grander initiative, the Black & Gold Community Relief Fund. To date, the fund has raised over $140k in donations to help the local community and those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Individuals or families affected by the crisis are encouraged to visit LAFC.com/fund for information on upcoming events, resources, and to fill out an emergency aid application to request direct help from the fund (applications are available in both English and Spanish).
