Foothill Unity Center Distributes 1,200 Thanksgiving Meals to Families

On November 18, 2025, the Foothill Unity Center in Pasadena provided Thanksgiving meals to 600 families in need, with another 600 packages scheduled for distribution at its Monrovia branch the following day. The center, which serves multiple cities in the San Gabriel Valley, has seen a significant increase in demand for its services this year as economic challenges continue to impact families.

The distribution event showcased a variety of food items, including frozen turkeys, hams, fresh produce, and desserts, all aimed at creating a memorable Thanksgiving for those facing financial hardships. Executive Director Jhoana Hirasuna noted a critical rise in demand, stating that the need for assistance has surged sixfold compared to last year.

“We have seen an increase in new families needing to access our services in recent weeks,” Hirasuna explained. “This uptick is due to various factors, including government shutdowns, layoffs, and uncertainties surrounding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).”

The Foothill Unity Center has been a lifeline for many families, particularly since the pandemic began. In addition to the current economic climate, the aftermath of the Eaton fire in January has compounded the challenges for local residents, driving many wildfire survivors to seek assistance from the center. Hirasuna emphasized that many families may take up to a year to recover fully from such disasters.

The center’s operations rely heavily on volunteers, who have stepped up in significant numbers to assist with food distributions. Lamar Fairman, a dedicated volunteer, expressed pride in the organization’s efforts, saying, “Food shouldn’t be something you’re hurting for. Not in America.” Fairman regularly meets with seniors in need, ensuring they receive essential food items, and he finds fulfillment in building connections with them.

With the increased demand for services, the time taken to distribute food baskets has also grown. Gabriela Rodriguez, director of programs at the center, noted that lines which once ended by 11:30 now often extend beyond noon.

The impact of reduced government funding, which has decreased by 25%, coupled with the rising number of families needing aid, has placed additional strain on the center’s resources. Hirasuna highlighted that many clients now rely on the Foothill Unity Center as their primary source of food assistance, rather than as a supplementary resource.

Volunteers and staff members, like Maribel Ramirez, who once experienced homelessness while raising her four sons, play crucial roles in assembling the food kits. “It’s rewarding to see you are helping others, and it’s heartbreaking to see when someone doesn’t have a home,” Ramirez shared, underscoring the emotional weight of the work they do.

During the holiday season, the need for support is particularly pronounced, with many families struggling to afford traditional Thanksgiving meals. Dennis Gallegos, a caregiver for his elderly mother-in-law, expressed gratitude for the assistance he receives, recalling how he used to bring his daughter to the center for various services.

Meanwhile, Julie Swayze, director of advancement for the Foothill Unity Center, remains focused on securing funding to sustain the organization’s operations. “We’re in crisis management every day,” she stated, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the center.

Despite the difficulties, the commitment from local donors, including churches and community organizations, provides essential support for the center’s mission. Hirasuna emphasized the importance of these contributions, saying, “It’s knowing that hundreds of families are not hungry that night, seeing the tremendous impact that we make for so many people.”

As the Foothill Unity Center continues to navigate the complexities of providing aid, its role as a beacon of hope for families in need remains steadfast. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that, regardless of external circumstances, it will continue to serve the community, especially during critical times like the Thanksgiving holiday.