Traffic jammed as 2,000 families line up for free food in El Monte

EL MONTE, Calif. (KABC) -- Economic pressure, increasing food prices and shifting federal funding are making it difficult for many families in Southern California to put food on the table.

Fortunately, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank is working to address that need.

Click here to donate or text "FEEDSOCAL" to 41444

The food bank held a drive-through food distribution Wednesday in El Monte.

Organizers said they expected to feed upwards of 2,000 families in urgent need of meals.

What looked like a traffic jam, stretching back as far as the eye could see, was actually people lining up just to get food.

"I come to take food," one woman said. "(This) situation is hard."

NEED HELP? Where to find free food and resources in Southern California

San Gabriel Valley families we spoke to said they were grateful for the much-needed help.

"It's really emotional to see all these people asking for help," said Olivia Cervantes, who works with the food bank.

Each family received a 35-pound box, filled with fresh produce, orange, cabbages, and a box of shelf-stable items, along with chicken.

Los Angeles County board supervisor Hilda Solis partnered with the food bank to host this large-scale food giveaway.

While the distribution began at 9 a.m., Solis said people began lining up at 5 a.m.

"People are really hurting," Solis acknowledged. "I have set aside a million dollars to work with the LA Regional Food Bank to help provide this assistance today."

By the time the food distribution ended at noon, hundreds of cars had been seen by food bank employees and volunteers.

Our 15th annual ABC7 Feed SoCal Food Drive is underway now.

If you would like to help our neighbors in need, click here to donate to Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. You can also text "FEEDSOCAL" to 41444.

Your gift of $25 today will unlock 100 meals for people in need in your neighborhood.