2 Tons of Food for Poor Lost to Thefts

The Second Harvest Food Bank of the Greater South Bay disclosed Monday that its Long Beach facility has been the target of four break-ins in the past 10 days, resulting in the loss of two tons of food awaiting distribution to the needy.

In addition to food, burglars stole office typewriters, personal computers, a printer, calculators, a tape recorder, FAX machine and various tools, such as a circular saw and drilling equipment. Also taken were two hand trucks, a small refrigerator and a microwave oven.

Executive Director John Knapp said officials were in the process of upgrading security at the San Francisco Avenue building when the break-ins occurred. Originally serving only Long Beach, the food bank now helps feed the hungry from as far away as South Los Angeles.

The facility collects food surpluses from manufacturers and wholesalers and then distributes these to 120 agencies serving the poor. Knapp said the break-ins have left the food bank down but not out. He hopes donations will enable him to replace the stolen equipment.