Foothill Unity Center Distributes 1,200 Thanksgiving Meals to Families

The Foothill Unity Center in Pasadena, California, provided Thanksgiving meals to over 1,200 families during a distribution event on November 18, 2025. Volunteers and staff assembled and distributed food kits containing frozen turkeys, hams, vegetables, and desserts, reflecting a significant increase in demand for assistance.

As the needs of the community continue to grow, Jhoana Hirasuna, executive director of the Foothill Unity Center, reported a staggering six-fold increase in families seeking help. She attributed this rise to various factors, including recent government shutdowns, layoffs, and fluctuations in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. “We have seen an increase in new families needing to access our services in recent weeks,” Hirasuna stated.

The center, which also operates a location in Monrovia, served approximately 600 households on the first day of distribution and planned to assist another 600 families the following day. Additionally, around 100 individuals were expected to receive smaller food packages. The volume of people waiting in line underscored the growing crisis facing many families, particularly as holiday expenses add to their financial burdens.

In light of these challenges, the Foothill Unity Center has experienced a consistent rise in clients since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The January Eaton fire further exacerbated the situation, bringing wildfire survivors to the center. Hirasuna mentioned that many of these families would require at least a year to recover and rebuild their lives.

The ongoing economic pressures have also forced families who previously relied on the center for occasional assistance to depend on it as their primary food source. “Food pantries used to be a supplement, but now many clients rely on us as their main resource,” Hirasuna explained.

Volunteer support remains crucial as the organization grapples with a 25% decrease in government funding. Gabriela Rodriguez, director of programs at Foothill Unity Center, noted that the distribution process has become increasingly time-consuming. “A line that usually ends by 11:30 now goes over an hour or more,” she said.

Active volunteers like Lamar Fairman, who assists seniors in accessing food, emphasized the importance of community and personal connections. “Food shouldn’t be something you’re hurting for. Not in America,” Fairman remarked, highlighting the emotional fulfillment he derives from his work.

The Foothill Unity Center not only focuses on food distribution but also provides various social services, including homeless prevention and rental assistance. Staff members are trained to support clients who may feel apprehensive about immigration enforcement, ensuring that everyone can access the help they need.

One of the center’s success stories is Maribel Ramirez, a client data coordinator who once experienced homelessness while raising four children. She has now worked at the center for 15 years. “It’s rewarding to see you are helping others, and it’s heart-breaking to see when someone doesn’t have a home,” Ramirez shared.

Clients like Dennis Gallegos, who is a caregiver for his elderly mother-in-law, appreciate the assistance during high-cost periods like the holidays. He recalled bringing his daughter to the center for various services when she was younger, stating, “It’s like she grew up here.”

In her role as director of advancement, Julie Swayze is tasked with navigating the funding challenges faced by the organization. “We’re in crisis management every day,” she admitted, but she remains committed to the mission of service.

The Foothill Unity Center relies on consistent and generous donations from churches, schools, and community organizations to sustain its operations. Hirasuna expressed gratitude for their support, stating, “It’s knowing that hundreds of families are not hungry that night. We aim to be a beacon of hope for those in need, regardless of the situation.”

As the demand for food assistance continues to rise, the Foothill Unity Center’s efforts highlight the urgent need for more year-round volunteers and donations to support the community during these challenging times.