Across Los Angeles County, many unhoused people struggle to get enough healthy meals and the support they need to build a stable future.
In 2024, Health Net awarded a $95,000 grant to Hope the Mission (formerly Hope of the Valley Rescue Mission). The funding expanded meal service programs, provided culinary arts job training to more residents, and increased the amount of food collected and given out across its network.
Since then, Hope the Mission has further reduced food insecurity in the community. The organization now serves more than 6,000 meals each day at shelters and partner sites, a 20% increase from meals served in 2025. They have done this, in part, by expanding to 32 locations in Los Angeles, with 4 more sites to open in 2026 and 11 total projects in the pipeline. This growth has helped more people get fresh meals every day across Los Angeles County.
The grant funding was also used to build Hope the Mission’s Culinary Arts Job Training program. Through the program, members get hands-on experience working in a real kitchen, learning skills that can help them get jobs in food service. Many people have found jobs after completing the program and Hope the Mission has also hired some graduates to work at its own sites.
Funding also helped Hope the Mission buy a refrigerated truck, ensuring that food does not spoil before they deliver it. This has allowed Hope the Mission to reduce spoilage, recover more food, reduce waste, and bring more meals to the people of Los Angeles County.
Together, these efforts support healthier communities. Access to food and access to jobs often go hand in hand. By supporting organizations like Hope the Mission, Health Net is meeting urgent needs while helping communities in Los Angeles County become more stable.