The disparity between wealth and poverty in Orange County is staggering. When most people think of the OC, they picture pristine beaches, luxury homes, and sports cars—but just a few miles from these postcard-perfect views, a very different reality exists. Nearly half a million people in our community struggle with hunger every month. Hunger knows no boundaries; it touches every age, race, and neighborhood. The hardest part? Far too many of those going without enough food to eat are children.

Pictured: LIFT Check Presentation to Mercy Warehouse November of 2016

This is where Mike Hudgins and his son John Hudgins have stepped in – not just as leaders, but as pillars of hope, action, and faith in our community. For years, they have been standing in the gap for families in crisis, ensuring that no one is left behind. Through their leadership at Mercy Warehouse, they have built a lifeline for thousands, providing food and resources to those in desperate need. Their passion, dedication, and relentless commitment to serving others have transformed Mercy Warehouse into more than just a food distribution center – it’s a beacon of hope for some of Orange County’s most vulnerable.

Our very first outreach at LIFT Foundation was with Mercy Warehouse back in 2013. Since then we have provided hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants that in turn have been used to purchase millions of dollars of groceries for families in Orange County. We are so honored to stand alongside the Mercy Warehouse in the fight against hunger. Together, we have set an ambitious goal—to make a lasting, measurable impact by ensuring that no family in our community goes hungry. Thanks to the relationships Mercy Warehouse has built with local grocers, they can purchase food for pennies on the dollar—stretching every donation further than we ever thought possible.

We initially set out to help them secure $1 million worth of food for struggling families, but with the generosity of our supporters, we shattered that goal. Now, we’re aiming even higher in our $10 million food drive—in 2024 we crossed $5 million in food aid to help those who need it most.

From their 25,000-square-foot facility, Mercy Warehouse operates as a fully volunteer-driven organization, turning donations into tangible help for families across Orange County and beyond.

• Over 1,000 people receive food weekly through their programs.
• Regular food donations are sent to communities in Mexico, Los Angeles, and Santa Ana.
• Profits from warehouse sales fund their mission—so every donation goes right back into feeding families.
• Anyone in need can receive food on Mondays (4:00 – 6:00 PM), Wednesdays & Fridays (12:00 – 2:00 PM).

How You Can Help

If you want to be part of a movement that truly changes lives, here’s how you can get involved:

Donate – Every dollar goes further than you can imagine, thanks to Mercy Warehouse’s ability to purchase food at a fraction of the cost.
Volunteer – Join the team and experience firsthand the impact you can make in the lives of local families.
Spread the Word – Tell your friends, coworkers, and family about this mission. Awareness leads to action, and action leads to change.

For more information on how you can give, serve, or receive assistance, please contact Mercy Warehouse Director, John Hudgins, at john@mercywarehouse.com.

Together, we can break the cycle of hunger in Orange County. With leaders like Mike and John Hudgins paving the way and a community of compassionate individuals stepping up, we can ensure that no family has to wonder where their next meal will come from.

“Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.” – Luke 12:33 

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