9th Annual Taste of the Rams – Fighting Hunger, One Meal at a Time

The 9th Annual Taste of the Rams, co-presented by Don Lee Farms and Bank of America, was recently held at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. This premier event raises hundreds of thousands of dollars to combat food insecurity by supporting the LA Regional Food Bank. With a staggering 30% of county residents struggling with hunger, the funds raised will play a crucial role in helping the Food Bank distribute meals throughout Los Angeles County.

Since its launch in 2016, Taste of the Rams has been instrumental in providing more than 4.8 million meals to those in need. The event brings the community together not just to raise money but also to raise awareness about food insecurity, a growing issue affecting thousands of families in Los Angeles.

The LA Regional Food Bank, along with its network of over 600 partner agencies, reaches approximately 900,000 people each month, focusing on providing nutritious food to improve the health and well-being of local communities. With food insecurity and nutrition being critical concerns, events like Taste of the Rams offer a meaningful way to give back while enjoying incredible cuisine prepared by renowned local chefs.

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the exceptional food. Chef Hiyoshi Kumeta delighted guests with a fresh spicy tuna taco featuring avocado puree, creamy wasabi, and sweet soy. Chef Kumeta, who was featured at last year’s event, once again showcased his mastery of Japanese cuisine, which can be sampled at his Santa Monica restaurant, Hamasaku.

Another standout dish was created by Chef David LeFevre of Local LA Catering. His crispy pork belly in a bao bun was a crowd favorite, perfectly combining tender pork with a soft, slightly sweet bun, enhanced by tamarind glaze, fermented chiles, Szechuan toasted peanuts, and micro cilantro.

Kim Prince, founder of the award-winning food truck Hotville Chicken, brought the heat with her Nashville hot pulled chicken slider, paired with a refreshing kale slaw. The balance of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors made this dish an unforgettable treat.

For dessert, Chef Adrienne Borlongan of Wanderlust Creamery wowed the crowd with two globally inspired ice cream flavors—Ube Malted Crunch and Sticky Rice Mango. Known for creating unique flavors inspired by travel, Chef Adrienne’s Sticky Rice Mango, made with house-made rice milk, coconut cream, and swirls of Alphonso mango, was the perfect sweet finale to the evening.

A Cause Close to the Community

Hosted by Andrew Whitworth, 2021 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, the event also underscored the Los Angeles Rams’ commitment to giving back. Since relocating to Los Angeles, the Rams have worked closely with the LA Regional Food Bank to address hunger in the community, demonstrating their dedication to being valuable civic partners.

Join the Fight Against Hunger

The LA Regional Food Bank has been a pillar in the fight against hunger since its inception in 1973. Through its network of partner agencies, the Food Bank distributes food and grocery products to more than 900,000 people monthly. Since the onset of COVID-19, the Food Bank has significantly expanded its reach, providing more than 482 million meals, valued at over $1 billion.

To support the LA Regional Food Bank, you can donate or volunteer by visiting LAFoodBank.org. Follow their efforts on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube, and join the conversation using the hashtag #WeFeedLA.

Fast Facts About the LA Regional Food Bank:

• Since 1973, the Food Bank has distributed over 2 billion pounds of food, equivalent to 1.6 billion meals.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Food Bank acquired and distributed more than 600 million pounds of food, providing 482 million meals across LA County.

About the Los Angeles Rams

Founded in 1937, the Los Angeles Rams are one of the oldest franchises in the NFL, known for their commitment both on and off the field. With three World Championships and 30 Hall of Fame inductees, the Rams also take pride in their efforts to serve the Los Angeles community year-round. The team’s partnership with the LA Regional Food Bank is just one way they are helping to make a difference in the lives of Angelenos.

For more information on the Rams, visit www.therams.com and follow their social media channels.