Foodbank of Southern California closes as state launches investigation into former CEO

A Long Beach food bank closed its doors as state investigators looked into allegations that the nonprofit's former CEO misused funds.

"The Foodbank of Southern California has fully investigated the allegations involving former CEO, Jeanne Cooper, both through internal and external investigations," current CEO Brian Weaver said. "When these allegations were first brought to the attention of our board, we took them extremely seriously and immediately conducted an internal investigation, suspending Ms. Cooper pending the outcome."

The Foodbank of Southern California, which opened in 1975, serves low-income neighborhoods across Los Angeles County, including Compton, San Pedro, Antelope Valley and North Long Beach. According to the nonprofit's website, it earned awards for its "sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency."

"After the preliminary findings revealed she had used Foodbank funds for personal benefit and for purposes unrelated to our operations or mission, she was permanently removed from her position," Weaver said. "We also engaged an outside firm to conduct its own thorough investigation, and we are awaiting their final report."

Weaver also stated that the nonprofit ceased all operations as the California Department of Social Services conducted its investigation. 

"For nearly 50 years, the Foodbank has played an integral role in our community, providing an average of 40 million pounds of food to over 1.9 million people in need each year," he said. "We know how important our assistance is to so many here, and we are working hard to restore our complete services as soon as possible."    

With the closure, Social Services said it will partner with other pantries to fill the gap left in Foodbank's wake.