New Hope Network | April 7, 2025
When Gwenna Hunter founded the Vegans of LA Food Bank, it wasn’t just to address food insecurity, it was to redefine what it means to provide nourishment. The first food bank of its kind in Los Angeles, California, its mission is to offer fresh, plant-based food to those in need while fostering a sense of dignity and community.
IDA USA | February 15, 2025
For Activist Appreciation Month and Black History Month, we’re featuring Vegans of LA, an organization that is transforming the landscape of food justice by ensuring that access to nourishing, sustainable food is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
Rooted in the principle of planetary oneness, the organization recognizes the profound connection between human health, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. By advocating for plant-based solutions, Vegans of LA is fostering a future where food justice and compassion are inseparable.
Los Angeles Magazine | December 19, 2023
Here’s more evidence that the chasm between the have-nots and the have-a-lots is ever widening: Last year, the University of Southern California reported food insecurity in Los Angeles County is worse now than it was pre-pandemic, with one in four families struggling to provide food for their household. As founder of Vegans of L.A. Vegan Food Bank, Gwenna Hunter has seen the agony up close.
ABC7 | November 3, 2023
A USC study shows food insecurity affects one in four L.A. County residents, hindering access to nutritious food. Vegans of L.A., founded by Gwenna Hunter, offers fresh produce and plant-based meals to those in need, inspired by her own food struggles. The food bank, serving the community for over a year, challenges vegan diet misconceptions with diverse meals. Operating every third Thursday and the first Tuesday at USC, it supports individuals with quality food options.
USA TODAY | August 23, 2023
Gwenna Hunter, founder of Vegans of LA, launched the first vegan food bank in Los Angeles after facing food insecurity. Operating every third Thursday, her initiative feeds hundreds with fresh produce and vegan meals. Partnering with Pastor Sunny Kang, she overcame logistical challenges. Hunter believes food access is a necessity and a form of activism, urging communities to act rather than depend on government aid. Her work addresses food scarcity and promotes sustainable eating.
VegNews | August 17, 2023
The Vegans of Los Angeles Food Bank, founded by Gwenna Hunter, provides plant-based food to over 600 people monthly. Inspired by her struggles with food insecurity, Hunter launched this initiative to show that animal products aren’t necessary for a healthy diet. The food bank allows recipients to choose their preferred items, including locally sourced produce. This initiative fosters dignity, community engagement, and access to nutritious meals, with plans for a traveling food bank to support more communities.
Yahoo News | August 10, 2023
Gwenna Hunter Becomes The First Black Woman To Create A Vegan Food Bank In Los Angeles
Note: video coverage.
Black Enterprise | August 4, 2023
Gwenna Hunter is making it her priority to provide healthy food for her community.
The Vegans of Los Angeles Food Bank is Hunter’s solution to providing wholesome foods to her Southern California community that excludes animals. According to a statement by VegansOfLA, Hunter has established the first-of-its-kind vegan food bank in Los Angeles.
Essence | August 2, 2023
Being vegan ≠ expensive. Or at least that’s what one LA-based founder believes.
Last year, Gwenna Hunter launched Vegans of Los Angeles Food Bank with a mission “to provide nutritious, plant-based food to our communities, while promoting planetary unity and advocating for the right to healthy meals for all families,” according to a news release.
