Persistent rain and winds didn’t diminish the Irvine community’s spirit Saturday, November 15, as residents, businesses, and volunteers came together to donate $33,000 and 3,300 pounds of food for Operation Bridge the Gap, an emergency food drive launched in response to the recent disruption of CalFresh/SNAP benefits.
Held by the City of Irvine, in partnership with the Greater Irvine Chamber, OC Hunger Alliance, South County Outreach, and many Irvine-based businesses, the event demonstrated the community’s commitment to ensuring that no individual goes hungry, regardless of circumstances.
“We are proud of how our community stepped up to support our most vulnerable neighbors,” Mayor Larry Agran said. “The response reflects Irvine’s commitment to ensuring every resident has dignified access to nutritious food. Despite uncertainty around the CalFresh program and federal developments, the City mobilized quickly and collaboratively. Moments like this remind us why strong, responsive local government is essential to the well-being of our community.”
Donations collected are being distributed to five Irvine food pantries, including South County Outreach, Families Forward, UCI Basic Needs Hub, Mariners Church, and Radiant Health Centers, helping families access essential shelf-stable items. The monetary contributions allow local organizations to purchase fresh produce, dairy, and protein, filling ongoing gaps by extending support to more households facing uncertainty.
Despite the storm, Operation Bridge the Gap:
- Raised $33,000 fueled by generous support from Irvine businesses.
- Collected 3,300 pounds of food donated by caring residents and partners.
- Welcomed 50 dedicated volunteers who braved the weather to make the event possible.
- Partnered with five Irvine food assistance organizations receiving emergency food and financial support.
“What we witnessed on Saturday is the very best of Irvine,” said LaVal Brewer, CEO of South County Outreach. “Families facing hunger can’t wait for clear skies, and this community didn’t either. Through the rain, people showed up with bags of groceries, open hearts, and a shared belief that helping our neighbors is what defines us. These donations will put food on tables this week — and hope back into homes during an uncertain time.”
“We are grateful to our business community for coming together in support of this mission with the City of Irvine,” said Dave Coffaro, President & CEO of the Greater Irvine Chamber. “It is truly inspirational to see what neighbors helping neighbors looks like in a challenging situation like this.”
Thank you to the following sponsors: American Lending Center, Bank Irvine, C&C Development, City of Hope, Corner Bakery Cafe, Cox, FivePoint, Garden Communities, Greater Irvine Chamber, Irvine Ranch Water District, P3 Foundation, PSQ Productions, SoCalGas, SoCal Edison, Sunstone Management, Tashiro Choi & Associates, and Zion Enterprises.
The City of Irvine and its partners remain steadfast in their mission to build a caring, resilient, and food-secure community. Continued support is encouraged to help sustain local food assistance programs and ensure every resident has access to the nutritious food they need. Monetary donations are being accepted through November 21 at ochungeralliance.org/irvinesnaprelief.
For community members looking for a meaningful way to give back, the City of Irvine welcomes volunteers to its free Food Box Distribution events. To learn more about how to get involved or to receive a free food box, visit cityofirvine.org/foodbox.
View photos from the food drive.