IN THE MEDIA

Representing Our Communities From feeding families during the pandemic to supporting children’s nutrition programs, OCHA’s efforts are transforming lives in the community. Read the latest stories about our impact in Orange County.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Lisa James
lisa@ktmagency.com

Changes in the world of free food could boost hunger

March 30, 2026: Rules from last year’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act are about to shrink federal help. And AI is making less edible food waste. The result could be a squeeze for people in need. OCHA’s Steering Committee shares insight on what this means for feeding Orange County communities.

Meet the 125 Most Influential People in Orange County for 2025

December 18, 2025: Claudia Bonilla Keller, Mike Learakos and Mark Lowry were named to the list for their work through OCHA during a year that saw a spike in food demand following the suspension of SNAP.

OC’s Poorest Brace for Cuts to Food Stamps and Health Insurance This Thanksgiving

November 25, 2025: Steering Committee members discuss the impacts of the food cliffresulting from health care and food programcuts andshare the emergency fundlaunched by OCHA.

Abound Food Care: Mike Learakos’ Big Idea That Might Change the World

September 4, 2025: Food insecurity goes beyond hunger. To create long-term change, we need to work collaboratively to ensure people don’t ever reach that moment of need.

Southern California nonprofits could feel pain from Washington spending cuts

April 21, 2025: OCHA Steering Committee members weigh in on how nonprofits addressing homelessness and hunger will face losses in government funding.

OC Hunger Alliance looks to partner with more nonprofit food providers as its mission continues

March 14, 2025: Mike Learakos shares about the OCHA community needs assessment and next steps for the Alliance.

Food banks could spend less, and feed more, under new national program

December 27, 2024: OCHA’s Enhanced Procurement Program addresses the shift in how food banks are getting and delivering food while meeting the increased needs of the community.

Stretching Dollars to Combat Orange County’s Hunger Crisis

December 24, 2024: OCHA is helping food pantries fill the gaps when it comes to addressing hunger by bringing down the high cost of food through the new Enhanced Procurement Program.

OC Supervisors Help Fund Food Pantry Renovation Amid Hunger Spike

December 4, 2024: OCHA Steering Committee members issue a call to action for the community to help meet a gap in resources amid a high demand for food and a hidden hunger crisis.

Hunger is on a Sharp and Silent Rise in Orange County this Thanksgiving

November 26, 2024: Ahead of Thanksgiving OCHA leaders share concerns about a quietly climbing need for food and how they’re navigating a hunger landscape without the pandemic influx of government assistance.

Orange County’s charitable food network shifts into new, streamlined era

August 4, 2024: Version 2.0 of the OC Hunger Alliance merges groups involved in housing, health care, and data.

KNX Hero: Taking action against food insecurity

August 19, 2024: Mike Learakos updates the community on how to step up and help out ahead of Hunger Action Month in September.

Tearing Down the Barriers to Food Access in Orange County

July 8, 2024: OCHA shares findings from its community needs assessment and how the Alliance will fortify and improve the efficiency of the current assistance system to address hunger long-term.

OC Hunger Alliance releases findings on food security, nutrition, and access

June 30, 2024: OCHA discusses the importance of choice at food pantries and access to good, nutritious options as key findings from its community needs assessment.

On a Mission to End Hunger in Orange County

April 22, 2024: OCHA plans to host a summer convening to review the community needs assessment, which aims to find key barriers to meeting food needs in Orange County.

Rare Alliance Taps the Strengths of Three Hunger-Relief Orgs

July 25, 2022: The Alliance unites Orange County’s three leading hunger relief organizations in a partnership aimed at eliminating the silos that prevented them from more effectively fighting hunger and poverty.