Today we’d like to introduce you to Molly Cotten.
Hi Molly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been passionate about using my work to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Early in my career, I worked in the arts and education nonprofit world, where I saw firsthand how powerful community support can be.
When I learned that 1 in 4 people in Los Angeles experiences food insecurity, it struck me that hunger is one of the most urgent and solvable problems in our city. That realization led me to join the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, where I now serve as Director of Major Gifts.
Every day, I get to connect generous donors with programs that make an immediate impact — providing millions of meals to families, children, and seniors across LA County. It’s the most rewarding work I can imagine, and it’s why I’m inviting more people to get involved in the fight against hunger.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road — and honestly, that’s part of why I care so deeply about this work. The need for food assistance in Los Angeles has grown dramatically, especially after the recent fires. Right now, the Food Bank and our partner agencies are serving 1.1 million people every month — a record number for us.
For me, the challenge is balancing the urgent, daily need with the longer-term vision of building a food-secure community. It can feel overwhelming — but what keeps me going is seeing the generosity of donors and volunteers who step up every single day. Their support reminds me that hunger is a solvable problem if we work together.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank has a simple but powerful mission: to mobilize resources to fight hunger in our community.
Through a network of 600+ partner agencies and direct distribution programs, we provide nutritious food to 1.1 million people every month — children, seniors, working families, and individuals who are facing food insecurity.
What sets us apart is the scale and efficiency of our operation. We’re proud to say that 96% of every dollar goes directly to programs that feed people. We maximize every gift by partnering with farmers, food growers, and retailers to rescue food that might otherwise go to waste and get it into the hands of the people who need it most.
I’m most proud of the way the Food Bank brings people together. Whether you’re a donor, a volunteer, or a partner, you become part of a movement that ensures no one in Los Angeles goes hungry.
If your readers take away one thing, I hope it’s that hunger is a solvable problem — and they have the power to be part of the solution. You can donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word by visiting lafoodbank.org
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is making sure no one in our community has to worry about where their next meal is coming from. Food is so basic — it’s dignity, it’s health, it’s the foundation for kids to learn and grow, and for adults to work and thrive.
I believe that in a city as resourceful and creative as Los Angeles, no one should go hungry. That’s why I feel so proud to do this work: every day I get to connect generous people with real solutions that change lives.
Pricing:
- Every donation makes a difference. Gifts of any size help provide nutritious food to children, families, and seniors across LA County.
- Monthly giving has the biggest impact. Becoming a monthly donor helps the Food Bank plan ahead and respond quickly when disasters strike — like the recent fires that increased the need to 1.1 million people served each month.
- Corporate & group opportunities. Businesses, schools, and faith communities can organize fundraisers or volunteer days — a great way to give back together.
- Volunteer shifts are free and family-friendly. You can sort, pack, and distribute food at the warehouse or at a partner agency.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lafoodbank.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lafoodbank/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lafoodbank
- Twitter: https://x.com/LAFoodBank
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEMhxOxztW621Wl9djIJpsQ
Image Credits
Image Credit: LA Regional Food Bank
