Since 2008, Elon University students have participated in the Los Angeles program through Study USA and National Campus Programs.
On Friday, June 13, students enrolled in Elon University’s Los Angeles program volunteered at the Hollywood Food Coalition’s (HoFoCo) nightly dinner service, continuing the university’s deepening partnership with the local nonprofit. The collaboration, which has been growing steadily in recent years, offers students meaningful community engagement opportunities while addressing food insecurity in the city.
Throughout the evening, students worked efficiently to package and distribute meals, demonstrating both attentiveness and care in every task, from ensuring each scoop of food was evenly portioned to selecting the best-quality pastries for distribution. The dinner service featured chickpea curry over rice as a vegan option and Thai breaded chicken for those preferring a meat-based meal. Chocolate milk, a treat among guests, was offered as a special beverage. Students embraced a variety of roles with enthusiasm and flexibility, supporting one another and staff while creating a welcoming environment for guests.
Volunteer efforts extended beyond food preparation. Students displayed sensitivity and responsiveness in their interactions—fetching extra napkins when needed, offering hand sanitizer and respectfully engaging with those served. Notably, student Lexi Riolo ’26 took a lead role in managing sign-in procedures and providing sanitation supplies, helping the process run smoothly as the line grew.
The evening began with a customary safety debriefing led by HoFoCo’s longtime security coordinator, Crisco, whose signature mix of humor and sleight of hand set a positive tone for the evening. In addition to the standard orientation, students received a sobering reminder from a staff member named Julio regarding the potential presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, a growing concern amid increasing reports of enforcement actions near shelters and service centers. Fortunately, the evening proceeded without incident, and volunteers were able to focus fully on ensuring every guest was served with dignity.
That evening, the team served 176 new guests and many returning community members, ultimately distributing all 260 meals with no leftovers. For students participating in the Elon University LA program, a semester-long immersive experience that blends academic coursework, internships, and city engagement, opportunities like this highlight the importance of community involvement.
Student Sarah Carss ’26 expressed enthusiasm about the experience, describing HoFoCo as “THE spot to be,” and asking how she could return independently to continue volunteering. This reaction reflects a key goal of scheduling community service early in the semester to spark students’ interest in sustained civic engagement throughout their time in Los Angeles. By participating in meaningful service experiences early on, students are encouraged to see themselves not as visitors, but as active contributors to the community during their semester in the city.
Amid the current climate of heightened immigration enforcement and social instability, acts of compassion take on heightened significance. The Hollywood Food Coalition service experience provided students with a deeper understanding of the communities they live among, and the power of small gestures to create a meaningful impact. More than a volunteer opportunity, it was a call to recognize one’s role as an active and empathetic member of a broader community.
Since 2008, Elon University students have participated in the Los Angeles program through Study USA and National Campus Programs. Applications for the spring 2026 term are now available, offering students another opportunity to engage with the industry and communities of Los Angeles in impactful ways.