Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass delivered Project Angel Food’s 16 millionth meal to a client who has heart issues. The Mayor joined Project Angel Food CEO Richard Ayoub for a tour of the facility where she met staff and volunteers, helped prepare meals, and presented the organization’s milestone 16 millionth meal. The April 10 celebration, held at 922 Vine Street, was the mayor’s first official visit to a non-profit since beginning her term in January.
“It is my honor and pleasure to present this 16 millionth meal to a member of our community, León Williams,” she said at the event. “He told me he’s a heart patient. A lot of times when people think of health care they think of doctors and medicine, but they don’t necessarily think of food, which is so important. That is why Project Angel Food is so important.”
Regarding homelessness, Mayor Bass added, “If you are thinking of the problem our city is dealing with of homelessness, [Project Angel Food’s food delivery program] is prevention. We never want Angelenos to have to make a choice between their food and staying housed.”
(L-R) Leon Williams, Mayor Karen Bass and Richard Ayoub – Photo courtesy of Project Angel Food“As a former social worker and physician’s assistant, Mayor Bass knows the importance of Food as Medicine and Medically Tailored Meals,” said Ayoub. “She also recognizes our work to improve health and an intervention against homelessness. We are providing free, nutritious meals that play a role in keeping our clients stably housed.”
The Mayor rolled up her sleeves and filled trays with stir-fry chicken and vegetables — one of Project Angel Food’s most popular dishes. Ayoub and Mayor Bass then counted down to meal 16 million which she presented to Leon. The mayor took time to talk with the 70-year-old Hollywood resident who is living with comorbidities of congestive heart failure and cancer.
Project Angel Food’s mission is to improve health outcomes and end food insecurity for critically ill men, women and children in Los Angeles by preparing and delivering Medically Tailored Meals with compassion and hope. Project Angel Food was founded in 1989, and feeds 2,500 seriously ill people each day, preparing and delivering more than 1.5 million meals per year.
