LOS ANGELES (Aug. 27, 2025) — Project Angel Food unveiled “Nourishing the Community,” a three-story mural by internationally renowned Mexican American artist Robert Vargas on the south façade of its Vine Street headquarters (922 Vine St.). The matriarchal guardian signals strength, safety and solidarity for vulnerable neighbors. Remarks were delivered by Vargas, CEO Richard Ayoub; Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, who presented a county proclamation; and Academy Award–nominated actor and activist Edward James Olmos, who joined Vargas on several painting days. Ivette Aragon, District Director, US Congressman Jimmy Gomez read a certificate from the congressman.

The figure’s hands were modeled after a woman selling tamales near the site, reflecting Vargas’s practice of “painting from the streets.” “I want the community to see themselves in the mural,” Vargas said. Surrounding imagery honors Project Angel Food’s staff, volunteers, and the 7,157 clients served with medically tailored meals — nearly half of whom are Latino. Anchoring the nonprofit’s Chuck Lorre Family Foundation Campus expansion — now under construction and set to double the organization’s footprint — the mural embodies hope, unity, compassion and resilience.

Vargas said, “‘Nourishing the Community’ grew from the people themselves — the hands in the kitchen, those Project Angel Food serves, and the community I’ve met while painting. It is a dialogue between Project Angel Food and our city. That is why this mural is so rewarding: at a time of instability, it represents permanence; it embodies representation, unity, and love; and it honors Project Angel Food’s mission.”

“This artwork declares that all are safe, seen, and embraced by the love of community,” Supervisor Horvath said, recognizing Vargas’s work for symbolizing unity and cultural pride and honoring Project Angel Food’s mission to deliver medically tailored meals to people facing serious illness.

Ayoub remarked, “We are expanding our facility into a two-building, 30,000 square foot beacon of hope and healing in Los Angeles — Project Angel Food’s The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation. Now, thanks to Robert, anyone who visits will see instantly what happens inside these walls — a diverse community of staff and volunteers dedicated to uplifting the lives of our seriously ill neighbors by preparing and delivering medically tailored meals with love, dignity and compassion.”

Edward James Olmos said, “Robert brings a deep humanity to everything he does, anywhere in the world. This is a masterpiece. Project Angel Food does such important work for the community. I’ve been involved since the beginning, and people are going to flock to see this mural. They deserve this.”

About Robert Vargas

Los Angeles native Robert Vargas is a contemporary artist whose murals and mixed-media portraits helped catalyze Downtown L.A.’s arts revival. The City honored him with “Robert Vargas Day” (2021) and by naming Robert Vargas Square (2022). Signature works include Our Lady of DTLA, the Ohtani mural, and L.A. Rising in Little Tokyo; he is currently creating Angelus at Pershing Square, a work in progress poised to set a Guinness World Record for the largest mural by a single artist.

About Project Angel Food

Founded in 1989, Project Angel Food prepares and delivers medically tailored meals to individuals facing serious illness across Los Angeles County with compassion and dignity. The nonprofit serves more than 7,157 clients annually with over 1.5 million meals and has delivered 20 million meals to date. Project Angel Food holds a Four-Star Charity Navigator rating.