Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Seed to Serve LA.
What does Seed to Serve LA do?
We hand out free fresh fruit and vegetables to families across Los Angeles County, and we cook and serve healthy, gourmet meals at some of our events. Everything we give out is free. We are also working toward accessible recreational spaces and soccer fields, though we do not run those programs yet.
Who can get food? Do I have to qualify?
Anyone who needs food. We are here for everyone. There is no income check, no proof of address and no ID required. If you are not sure whether an event is for you, it is.
Does it cost anything, and do I need to sign up?
It is free and you do not need to sign up ahead of time. Come during the open hours and you will be served. Bring a bag if you have one, though we will have bags too. Our giveaways are usually a drive-through, so you can stay in your car and we will load it. Each event page has the route. If you come on foot we will hand you a bag and help you carry it.
When and where is the next distribution?
Our Get Food page always shows the next date, the address and a map link, because it reads straight from our events calendar rather than being typed in by hand. We run distributions roughly every two weeks around Los Angeles County. If you would rather be told than have to check, leave your email on the home page and we will send you the date and the place, nothing else.
Should I come early?
Please come when we open, not before. Our giveaways happen on residential streets, so please do not line up early, park in front of homes, or block any driveways while you wait. We hand out until our posted finish or until the produce runs out, whichever comes first, so it is worth coming close to opening time rather than near the end.
How can I volunteer?
Start on our Volunteer page or the Events page. Every event lists its own shifts with the times, a sign-up link and how many people that shift takes. Most of what we run now is produce distribution: sorting and bagging fruit and vegetables the day before, then handing them out to families on the day. We still cook and serve meals at some events. None of it needs experience. Volunteers under 18 should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Are you affiliated with a church or a religion?
No. Seed to Serve LA is a secular nonprofit and we serve everybody regardless of faith or background. Some of our events are held at churches because they have the kitchens, halls and parking lots we need, and because they have been generous with them. That is a venue arrangement, not an affiliation.
Where do you operate?
Los Angeles County. We have run events in Pasadena, Arcadia, San Marino and Eagle Rock so far, and we move around deliberately so that we are not always asking the same families to travel. Where the next one is depends on which venue and which food partners we can line up.
Do you run soccer programs?
Not yet, and we want to be transparent about that. Youth athletics is something we are building toward, not something we currently offer. We do not run soccer instruction, camps or tryout preparation of any kind today. Every meal and every produce distribution builds toward it.
Is Seed to Serve LA a 501(c)(3)?
Yes. Seed to Serve LA Inc. is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, incorporated in California. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
How are donations used?
Donations go toward getting fresh produce and healthy meals to families who need them. Our treasurer keeps full records, and as a 501(c)(3) our annual filings are public.
Can I donate food, or partner with you?
Yes, and it is how most of what we hand out reaches us. We work with food recovery organizations, growers, grocers and local businesses, and we can collect. Email contact@seedtoservela.com and tell us roughly what you have and how often.
Are there allergen considerations?
Our cooked meals may contain common allergens including dairy, gluten and nuts. We label meals with ingredient and allergen information, and anyone with a food allergy should read the label before eating. Donated fruit and vegetables are handed out as they reach us. Our Food Donation Distribution Policy sets out the limits of our liability as a distributor of donated food, and a copy is posted at the distribution table.