The Los Angeles-based Mazon has granted more than $14 million to organizations working to prevent and alleviate hunger in the United States, Israel and throughout the world, including more than $2 million in California.

Mazon raises funds principally from Jews nationwide who donated a suggested amount of 3 percent of the cost of weddings, bar and bat mitzvahs and other joyous events. Other funds come from annual Passover and High Holy Days appeals and thousands of commemorative contributions.