Los Angeles County leads the nation with 1.7 million people struggling to afford to stay properly fed, according to the Feeding America's Map the Meal Gap study. While 50 million people nationwide struggle to put food on the table, L.A. is highest in food insecurity, according to the study, which is based on 2009 statistics collected by government agencies. more ›

It's art mixed with tasty do gooding. The 5th Annual Canstruction is now on display, showing off the work of seven teams of architects, designers, builders, and engineers who took canned food to build structures meant for feeding instead of housing. After November 6th when the exhibit ends, the 10,000 or so cans will go to the Los Angeles Regional Foodbank. more ›

When there's an event in Los Angeles, who gets the leftovers? Thanks to a proposal put forth by Councilman Jose Huizar, soon those in need will. more ›

More than many other major cities, Los Angeles has year-round access to locally grown food, but it doesn't mean hunger is a problem. And in a city known for its large events and parties, a plethora of catering companies are out there serving food, yet are also throwing it away when all is said and done. One of those institutions at the receiving end is the city of Los Angeles, where leftover food at city functions might get wasted. more ›

Los Angeles currently has a handful of food policy initiatives in the works and today one of them took a step forward. Last November, Councilman Paul Koretz introduced a motion based on a blueprint to end hunger (.pdf) in Los Angeles County published by the Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles, which called attention to the local hunger problem, food insecurity and lack of access to fresh and healthy foods. more ›

When the 2009 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count Report (.pdf) was released last Fall, it said there was a 38% drop in homelessness in the county. But that didn't make sense to the shelters and non-profits that claimed their services were overwhelmed. And today, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank released a report furthering facts about an increase in services for the needy. more ›

In addition to the Berlin Wall display, the building 5900 Wilshire Building across from LACMA opened another art exhibit today. Canstruction L.A. shows off works of art built from canned food by local architects, engineers, and designers. The free exhibit closes November 15th (Hours: Monday-Sunday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.) and that's when all those cans get donated to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. Over the past three years, the event, previously housed in Sherman Oaks and then Santa Monica, has donated over 157,000 cans. As a visitor to the exhibit, you are encouraged to bring canned donations. more ›

Today marks the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UHDR), adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations. The 30 articles of this declaration were written after the Second World War and represent the first global expression of human rights worldwide. The UHDR is the most translated document in the world and has inspired many international treaties and laws. more ›

Waking up early for Black Friday's "doorbusters" sounds like the anti-fun. So here are some of LAist's Holiday Picks for the philanthropist in you, none of which involve any malls, massive stores or long lines. All of these gifts have a charitable element to them, benefiting mostly local or national organizations so you're really giving two gifts and making lots of people happy. And you feel good. Everybody wins! Onto the gifts that keep on giving... more ›