Angels of the community standing in the gap to feed the hungry in Antelope Valley

LANCASTER, Calif. (KABC) -- While life in Antelope Valley is getting harder, we see angels among us.

Rising prices for food and gas is forcing people to make some difficult choices, like Kimberly, who told us there are days she doesn’t eat at all.

When she does eat, however, it’s often thanks to Grace Resources in Lancaster.

“They’re a blessing,” she said.

Click here to donate or text "FEEDSOCAL" to 41444

“We do this for the love of our community,” Chris Wilson responded.

Wilson serves as executive director of the center, a faith-based organization focused on helping the helpless in the High Desert, like Kimberly.

Data shows more than 50% of households straddling Los Angeles County’s northern edge experiences “low” or “very low” food security.

Antelope Valley is among several major food deserts in Southern California.

Other areas of major concern include significant portions of Commerce, Calif.; the areas east of LA County Medical Center and west of California State University, Los Angeles; the western portion of Compton, along the 110 Freeway; and the southern portion of Hyde Park.

Wilson left a coveted job in the aerospace industry and took a massive pay cut to serve his community.

“I’d rather go to my grave knowing that God gave me the opportunity to serve in this way and by faith, I stepped into it,” Wilson said.

By faith, Mikaela Johnson is also stepping into her life of giving, despite a terrible car accident that left her with serious injuries, affecting her ability to walk.

Johnson often picks up food from Grace Resources before making trips to homeless camps, in addition to door-to-door deliveries to people, including single mothers, who consider the help a lifeline.

Johnson said hunger is worse here because of the area’s rural layout and limited transportation, leaving many without access to nutritious food.

“During COVID, I experienced homelessness,” Johnson said.

She said there were times she starved while homeless, and now that she’s off the street, she vows to always help those still suffering through her organization, Power House Outreach.

Two organizations, each benefitting from the partnership shared with Los Angeles Regional Food Bank.

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 or text "FEEDSOCAL" to 41444.

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