Culture 5 Omar Cook Culture 5 Omar Cook

South Los Angeles Families Invited to Holiday Food Distribution With Free Meal Boxes

South Los Angeles families are invited to register for a holiday food distribution hosted by the Office of Mayor Karen Bass, offering free meal boxes and gifts to support community members in need! We discuss it here!

 
South LA Food Distribution

South Los Angeles Families Invited to Holiday Food Distribution With Free Meal Boxes

By: Omar Cook

Los Angeles, CA — Families across South Los Angeles are invited to take part in a Holiday Food Distribution hosted by the Office of Mayor Karen Bass this Saturday, December 20, in Leimert Park. The event is designed to support households experiencing financial hardship by providing holiday meal boxes, including a turkey, along with gifts for children.

This community-focused effort is made possible with support from Amazon and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, ensuring families can access nutritious food during the holiday season.

Who Is Eligible?

The holiday food distribution is open to families who reside in South Los Angeles, specifically within Service Planning Area 6 (SPA 6). This includes communities such as:

  • Crenshaw District

  • Watts

  • Hyde Park

  • Surrounding South LA neighborhoods

To ensure fair access, one registration per household is permitted. Duplicate registrations will be voided so that as many families as possible can receive support.

Why Registration Matters

Registration is required to guarantee your household receives a holiday food box. By registering in advance, organizers can:

  • Prepare the correct food box size for your household

  • Provide age-appropriate gifts for children

  • Offer a Priority Check-In Lane for faster service and reduced wait times

While walk-ups may be served if supplies remain, service is not guaranteed without registration. Families are strongly encouraged to sign up before arriving.

What to Bring on Event Day

Registered families should come prepared with:

  • Registration confirmation (printed or digital screenshot with QR code)

  • A portable cart or wagon to help transport food boxes, groceries, and gifts

Walk-Up Information

Families who are unable to register may attempt to attend as walk-ups; however, walk-up service will only occur after all registered families have been served, and supplies may be limited. Expect possible wait times. Registration remains the best way to ensure support.

How to Sign Up

Many registration slots are still available. Families in need—or those who know someone who could benefit—are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible.

Register here for a Holiday Meal Box (including a turkey):
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdVUcwXRFfULk5sxEzBif-qCP1KYrcRSTX9NZrv3sl3VRQgzA/viewform?pli=1

Spread the Word

This holiday season is about community care and collective support. If you know a family, neighbor, or friend in South Los Angeles who could use assistance, please share this information and encourage them to register.

Events like this remind us of the power of coming together to ensure no family is left behind during the holidays.


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Culture 5 Omar Cook Culture 5 Omar Cook

Strategy and Soul Bookstore Brings LA Community Together for an Uplifting Holiday Celebration

Strategy and Soul Bookstore’s annual holiday party brought the community together through music, food, and shared purpose, celebrating unity, culture, and collective joy! We discuss it here!

 
Strategy and Soul Bookstore

Los Angeles, CA - Community Gathers at Strategy and Soul Bookstore for an Annual Holiday Celebration

By: Omar Cook

Los Angeles, CA — Strategy and Soul Bookstore opened its doors on Saturday, December 13, and reminded all of us what community really feels like. I attended the annual holiday party firsthand, and from the moment I walked in, the energy was warm, intentional, and rooted in togetherness. It wasn’t just a holiday gathering — it felt like a reunion of people who genuinely care about culture, connection, and collective growth.

The vibes were undeniable. There was great food flowing, conversations happening in every corner of the room, and music that immediately set the tone. One of the highlights of the night was a powerful performance by the doo-wop group Street Corner Renaissance. Their soulful voices filled the space as they delivered beautiful holiday songs alongside classic R&B and soul renditions that had people smiling, swaying, and singing along. It felt like the kind of music that brings generations together, reminding you of family gatherings and shared history.

Street Corner Renaissance

Street Corner Renaissance Performs at Strategy and Soul Bookstore

One of the most moving moments of the event came when we gathered for a drum circle. Community members picked up drums and made music together in real time, creating a rhythm that symbolized unity, collaboration, and shared purpose. There was something deeply grounding about standing in a circle, listening to one another, and contributing to a collective sound. It wasn’t about perfection — it was about presence.

Throughout the day, we also heard from community members who took the time to speak and offer a call for togetherness. Their words reinforced the importance of showing up for one another, staying engaged, and continuing to build spaces where dialogue, culture, and justice can coexist. It was clear that Strategy and Soul is more than a bookstore — it’s a hub for thought, movement, and meaningful connection.

Street Corner Renaissance

Street Corner Renaissance Performs at Strategy and Soul Bookstore

This holiday party is an annual tradition, and after experiencing it myself, I can confidently say it’s something worth marking on your calendar. I encourage everyone to attend next year if you can. And beyond the events, make it a point to stop by Strategy and Soul regularly. The bookstore offers a powerful selection of books on politics, social justice, culture, and liberation, and it remains a vital space for staying informed and involved.

Saturday night was a reminder that when community comes together with intention, music, and open hearts, something special always happens. Strategy and Soul continues to be a place where knowledge meets spirit — and where community truly lives.


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Access Free Food Resources in Los Angeles During the Federal Government Shutdown

LA County Parks is expanding free food programs for youth, teens, and seniors to help families stay fed during the federal government shutdown! We discuss it here!

 
Access Free Food Resources in Los Angeles

Access Free Food Resources in Los Angeles

By: Omar Cook

With the federal government shutdown ongoing, food security has become a serious concern for vulnerable populations across Los Angeles, including youth, seniors, and families. The loss of SNAP and CalFresh benefits has created a critical gap in food access, leaving many residents at risk.

LA County Parks is stepping in to help fill this gap by expanding its food programs at parks, teen centers, and senior centers. These programs have long been a vital part of the county’s food safety net, and now more than ever, they are providing essential meals and snacks to those in need.

Available Food Programs:

  • Free Healthy Snack Program for Youth – Offered at 48 parks Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 4 PM for children ages 17 and under.

  • Free Hot Supper Program at Our SPOT Teen Centers – Available at 16 parks Monday through Friday at 7 PM for teens ages 12 to 18.

  • Free Senior Food Program – Serving older adults at 9 parks Monday through Friday for anyone age 55 and older.

Due to the shutdown, CalFresh benefits for November may be delayed, making these programs an essential lifeline. LA County Parks encourages everyone to take advantage of these resources so that no one goes hungry while communities work to protect democracy.

Click here for Locations 

LA County Parks & Recreation  

Additional Resources:

Make sure to spread the word—everyone deserves access to healthy meals.


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