Project Angel Food Unveils Internationally Renowned Artist Robert Vargas’ Landmark Mural “Nourishing the Community”

“I want the community to see themselves in the mural.”

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 Street). The matriarchal guardian signals strength, safety, and solidarity for vulnerable neighbors. Remarks were delivered by Robert 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.

Reflecting Vargas’ practice of “painting from the streets,” the figure’s hands were modeled after a woman selling tamales near the site. “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. The mural anchors the nonprofit’s 30,000-square-foot Chuck Lorre Family Foundation Campus expansion—now under construction—and embodies hope, unity, compassion, and resilience.

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

High-resolution photos are available here. Event video is available here.

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.

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Conceived amid ICE enforcement across Los Angeles, Robert Vargas' three-story tribute mural to Project Angel Food signals strength, safety, and solidarity for vulnerable neighbors by an artist whose works symbolize unity, community, and cultural pride.