When recent wildfires forced the Capuchin Franciscan friars in Los Angeles to evacuate, they took refuge at the Pasadena Convention Centre with hundreds of others.
There, they quickly realised the need for food and mobilised their “Capuchin Family Kitchen” food truck to serve meals.
In just a week and a half, the friars served nearly 4,000 meals, not only to evacuees but also to first responders.
Partnering with World Central Kitchen, they set up a food distribution site at their St Francis High School residence in La Cañada Flintridge.
While the friars couldn’t restore homes, Father Christopher Iwancio emphasised the importance of offering comfort and spiritual support, saying, “You’re not just feeding the body, you’re also feeding the soul.”
The friars received strong support from volunteers, including at least 75 students from St Francis High School, faculty, and alumni who helped prepare meals and snacks for those affected by the disaster.
Father Iwancio said the food truck recently resumed its normal operation of serving people who are homeless and has seen “an uptick,” he said. “The housing crisis has now just been exacerbated further by these fires.”