Photos: Culver City Volunteers Feed Hundreds At Drive-Up Location

CULVER CITY, CA —NourishLA volunteers in Culver City are stepping up to feed hundreds of people struggling in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

They started gathering items in organizer Natalie Flores' garage—they outgrew that in days. Now, NourishLA volunteers supply food for hundreds across the region with a drive-up location at a the Wood Cafe in Culver City on Sundays.

They also offer a delivery service on Sundays. Volunteers drive food to people throughout the Westside, including Culver City, Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Del Rey, Venice, Mar Vista, LAX area, and parts of Mid City. The drive-thru is open for anyone in need.

The need to support the community with food donations and deliveries is growing.

"Natalie started this out of our garage we share eight weeks ago," Thurston told Patch. "After the first week, she realized she needed much more space because the need is so great."

Business owners and farmer's markets are helping to drive donations.

"The owner of The Wood Cafe kindly offered to let us use his lot and has been instrumental in helping us with vendors," Thurston said. "Our local farmers market, Mar Vista Farmers Market has also been helpful. We also have numerous urban farmers and residents donating fruit from their trees."

There's also potential to deliver to the South Bay, Lisa Thurston from NourishLA told Patch.

"The only way we can grow to include the South Bay is if we have volunteer drivers or, if someone would like to start a food pantry distribution center dedicated for the South Bay," Thurston told Patch.

If you would like to get involved, know anyone who is homebound or needs groceries, then contact Natalie Flores of NourishLA at 323-260-7210 or Nourish.LosAngeles@gmail.com.

"We can also cater to dietary restrictions as needed for home deliveries," Thurston told Patch.

"We are able to do this strictly on donations. Every little bit helps," Thurston told Patch. "We are now on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Just trying to get the word out for those who are in need, those who want to volunteer, and those who want to donate!"

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