GILEAD FOUNDATION INVESTS OVER $3 MILLION TO FIGHT FOOD INSECURITY ACROSS THE U.S.
The Gilead Foundation has announced a powerful new commitment: more than $3 million in Healing Hunger grants designed to expand long-term access to nutritious food for communities across California, North Carolina, New Jersey, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. At a time when food insecurity continues to rise nationwide, this investment aims to strengthen local food systems, reduce barriers to fresh food, and support families with the resources they need for healthier futures.
A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS MEETS A COMMUNITY-POWERED RESPONSE
Food insecurity carries deep health consequences, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. Research from the USDA shows that individuals in very low food-secure households face significantly higher rates of chronic illnesses, including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, depression, and compounded risks for children such as asthma, developmental delays, emergency room visits, and unmet medical care.
Recognizing this urgent overlap between health equity and nutrition, Shreya Jani, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at Gilead Sciences and Board Member of the Gilead Foundation, emphasized the mission:
“There is a deep connection between food security and health… Through Gilead Foundation Healing Hunger, we are partnering with organizations that provide education, infrastructure, training and more to make a real impact and improve health outcomes.”
SUPPORTING INNOVATION, STABILITY & ACCESS
The Healing Hunger grants empower 14 regional organizations to pilot and scale new models of food distribution, urban agriculture, community education, and integrated social support. These efforts will help families access fresh produce while connecting them to workforce development, nutrition guidance, and benefits enrollment.
Some of the major initiatives include:
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California Association of Food Banks Bay Area Collaborative
Scaling an equity-based sourcing system that distributes 1.2 million pounds of culturally relevant produce while lowering costs and supporting minority-owned farms. -
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Operating a year-round mobile pantry delivering 2.5 million pounds of food to communities across L.A. County. -
Social Justice Learning Institute (Inglewood, CA)
Distributing 850,000 pounds of fresh produce and expanding urban farming and community-led education. -
Food Forward (Southern California)
Redirecting 833,000 pounds of rescued produce to reduce waste and feed families. -
Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina
Delivering 17 million pounds of food across 600 partner agencies. -
Community Food Bank of New Jersey
Providing 2.28 million pounds of food to children while offering training and benefits support. -
Maryland Food Bank
Supporting school pantries serving 2.4 million pounds of food through 170 locations. -
Capital Area Food Bank (Washington, D.C.)
Expanding Mobile Market sites and distributing 1.2 million pounds of food through local schools.
These collective efforts target both immediate needs and long-term stability — building the groundwork for healthier, more resilient communities.
A BROADER COMMITMENT TO EQUITY & RESILIENCE
In 2024 alone, the Gilead Foundation invested $21.5 million in programs promoting education, health equity, and community empowerment. The Healing Hunger initiative is the latest extension of this mission, reflecting a holistic strategy to address the root causes of health disparities.
ABOUT THE GILEAD FOUNDATION
The Gilead Foundation works to create a thriving, inclusive health ecosystem by supporting organizations that uplift communities through advocacy, education, empowerment, and equitable access to resources.
ABOUT GILEAD SCIENCES
A global leader in biopharmaceutical innovation, Gilead Sciences has spent over 30 years advancing medicine to combat HIV, viral hepatitis, cancer, inflammatory diseases, and global health threats. In 2025, the company announced a $32 billion strategic investment to strengthen U.S. research and development, expand job creation, and elevate public health preparedness.
Learn more: www.gilead.com
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