A few months ago, when federal food assistance lapsed during the October government shutdown, a 57-year-old acupuncturist named Ellisa Alvarez made a simple offer of kindness on social media.
Alvarez, a former chef, knew many of her neighbors in Long Beach — where 1 in 5 residents rely on food stamps — were struggling to keep food on the table, so she resolved to help whoever she could.
“If you and or your family need a meal prepared for you — message me,” she wrote in a local Facebook group. “I will cook you a meal and bring it to you. Guilt free. Stress free. Made with love.”…