Food Bank of Southern California Closes Amid Investigation

Food Support Services (FSS) at a university has implemented a hamper-only system and discontinued walk-in services to streamline operations and better serve students in need. Vice-president Daniel Klapper highlighted that this change, informed by consultations with external food banks, allows for quicker and more organized distribution of food hampers. In contrast, the Food Bank of Southern California has closed amidst investigations into its former CEO, Jeanne Cooper, who is accused of misusing funds for personal gain. Current CEO Brian Weaver indicated that the investigation revealed significant fraud, leading to a law enforcement raid on the food bank's offices. The food bank, which has served millions in Los Angeles County, is working to restore its operations as investigations continue. In the meantime, the California Department of Social Services is coordinating with other food pantries to address the service gap created by the closure.