The Emergency Food Program distributes bags of fresh groceries and nonperishable food items that can provide up to 30 meals per household, as well as hygiene items and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to low-income families. In operation for more than a decade, prior to the pandemic AYC provided one-time monthly distributions, serving around 60 families per month. Since 2020, the program has grown exponentially since 2020; in just one year (March 2020-March 2021), AYC distributed bags of groceries that provided over 400,000 meals to low-income families. As of January 2023, the program serves over 500 families per month.

Many immigrant families are vulnerable to food insecurity due to low-income status and lack of in-language services. AYC serves many clients that are also part of a vulnerable age group (55 years and older), who are further restricted by lack of mobility and transportation, increased risk for severe illness if contracted with COVID-19, and increased risk of street harassment motivated by rising anti-Asian sentiments amidst the pandemic. AYC staff speak Cantonese, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, and Vietnamese to accommodate the needs of non-English speakers. As COVID-19 variants develop and food insecurity increases due to higher grocery costs from inflation, AYC’s Emergency Food Program ensures that vulnerable communities have access to basic needs through in-language services and at a safe, community-based facility.