Stories that Inspire.
Victories to Celebrate.
Stay connected with all the good work the Rescue Mission Alliance Valley Food Bank is doing.
Answered Prayer
Irma visited International Community Church’s food pantry for the first time a few months ago. She lives with her husband and teenage daughter in a low-income hotel in the Van Nuys area and collects cans and bottles for recycling in order to earn money to support her family. The first time Irma visited the pantry…
Community Change Agent
John arises early each morning, thankful for another day, tends to his morning routine – hygiene, breakfast, and some household chores, then marches off to catch the Metro at the boulevard, several blocks away. John travels from Tarzana, through Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, and Panorama City arriving in Pacoima mid-morning. He makes friends easily and…
What would Thanksgiving be without a Turkey?
“A friend brought me to the food pantry in Chatsworth. The pantry volunteers are so kind and loving. They always make sure my family has food. I do not know how we would get through the holidays without their help. I was able to provide my mom a turkey for her last Thanksgiving dinner. It…
Thankful for God’s Healing
Alejandra has been partaking of the food distribution in her community. She initially started coming for the food, and over time, began to develop relationships with the volunteers. She noted how loving the volunteers were and how full of faith they were in everything they did. When her husband, Sirelo, slipped into a coma after…
Sharing Family Traditions
Have you ever thought about how you can help others, to make this a better place to live? Doing more does not mean that you have to become a leading ecologist or a civil servant. In fact, something as simple as donating gently used clothes or volunteering at the food bank during your free time…
Making a Difference
Many organizations and vendors have adopted “Fresh Rescue” practices to ensure perishable food items that would otherwise go into the waste are donated to the Rescue Mission Alliance Valley Food Bank. One hallmark example is the participation from Albertsons in Tujunga. David Panza, a 43-year veteran Receiving Manager, facilitates the needs of the store and…
Answer to Her Prayers
Joy is a choice; Candice and her daughter Kim have decided to choose joy despite their circumstances. That is why, when you see them visiting the food pantry, you will find them with beautiful smiles as they reflect on God’s goodness. A woman living on Social Security, Candice has found it hard to make ends…
From Helper to Helped
Hello, my name is Jamie. About a year and a half ago, I visited the Thursday food giveaway and I immediately felt at home. The people were nice and generous and it meant so much to me because I had been out of work for a while due to a hand injury at my job.…
Thank YOU!
Boris would visit our food pantry every Tuesday. He would walk from his home three blocks away and would always be wearing a pressed dress shirt, tie, and neatly pleated slacks. After speaking to him, we learned that he had lost his aerospace job in Nevada earlier in 2011. So, he decided to move back…
Rosie Loves to Help!
Rosie has been receiving food from Calvary Baptist Church’s Thursday food distribution for a while, and she always arrives early. One very hot summer day, she was standing under a shade tree trying to keep cool while waiting for the food distribution to start. The director of the ministry saw her and invited her inside…
First Time Visitors to the Food Pantry
Their names are Joshua and Hillary. About three years ago, Hilary’s mother passed away, they lost custody of their child, and have been on the street living out of their car, which they share with three dogs.
Drought has Impact Beyond the Obvious
The current drought is a very real issue to anyone living in Southern California. Our lawns are getting browner, our showers are getting shorter, and our water bills are getting higher. And even at the food pantries, folks are feeling the effects of the drought. With the ever-increasing price of groceries, more Southern California residents…
