Meet Hormos, Mahmood, Waly and Aileen. They have been coming to the food pantry for a year now. I believe it was Hormos who spotted us at the same place every month. He stopped by and from then on became a regular recipient of goods from Valley Food Bank. Next came Waly, just a few months after, then Mahmood, and then Aileen.

Now the group gets together monthly, making the trip to The House’s distribution of food and friendship. They are all very grateful for the generosity of the Valley Food Bank and their donors, who enable The House to meet some of the needs of the community here in Reseda. We cater to a variety of people and cultures and we are very thankful to God that events like these facilitate outreach and break down barriers in the community.

Submitted by Pastor Manny Iglesia, Associate Pastor – The House, A Church Family.

 

Irene first met us last year at New Hope Church’s annual neighborhood block party. At the time, Irene’s father—the family’s primary income earner—had just passed away. Because Irene’s mother and brother are both sick, neither is able to work to provide for their family. After her father passed away, Irene also had to quit her job in order to take care of her mother full time.

At the holiday party, Irene learned about New Hope Church’s monthly food pantry. In order to provide for her mother, brother, and children, Irene began visiting the food pantry at the beginning of the year in order to receive supplemental groceries. The food—especially the fresh vegetables—have been an enormous help to her, and each month she is able to ration out what she receives at the pantry to help cook her family nutritious meals.

Irene is thankful for the food she receives from the Valley Food Bank and its donors. The generosity of the food banks is helping to keep her family fed each month as they adjust to this new season of their lives.

Submitted by Jason Wong, Coordinator – New Hope Pantry Ministry.

Since their founding nearly 90 years ago, Farmers Insurance has valued working with purpose and creating a meaningful impact. They have a commitment to serve the communities where their customers, agents, and employees live, work, and play.

As Farmers strives to maintain a high standard of corporate citizenship, they dedicate time and resources to three important areas: disaster resilience, education, and civic engagement. During the past month, various groups from a variety of departments have volunteered their time at the Food Bank helping to glean fresh fruits and vegetables as well as check thousands of donated cans and dry goods for quality. These hard working, dedicated individuals bring meaning to their program – Farmers Cares.

John C. Tyler, co-founder of Farmers Insurance said: “The measure of our worth is not what we have done for ourselves, but what we have done for others.”

Sylvia has been coming to the Leaves of Healing Food Ministry for the last three years. She had been in an independent living program, alone, pregnant, and without enough food.

Now, her little boy Tony is 3 years old and Sylvia has developed a relationship with Tony’s father. He comes occasionally, but had a stroke two months ago and must be in a wheelchair. Sylvia takes care of him too.

She loves the food ministry and helps in preparing the food every week for all the people, always with a good outlook, smiling and upbeat. Sylvia is hoping to work with a veterinary office. She loves to help people.

Submitted by Dr. Loraine Coconato, Senior Pastor – Leaves of Healing Tabernacle