It would be my absolute joy to give high-fives all around and celebrate the end of our campaign ‘Fighting Hunger – Feeding Hope’ because we could not find struggling families in need of food. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Families throughout our community continue to struggle to have sufficient food resources – be it a family, a veteran, a senior or an individual.

Our pantry network has done an incredible job distributing fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, deli, bakery goods and proteins. Each location has experienced continued growth and now with the holidays approaching, the need will only grow. We would enjoy sharing statistics but know very well the numbers are not just boring, but often times hard to place into a context. What we do know is that our friends, supporters, heroes to the Valley Food Bank have an interest to make a difference Fighting Hunger – Feeding Hope.

From pantry distributions, providing food for the local family shelters, and sharing food to be distributed to families placed in motels as temporary housing, the Valley Food Bank partners, with a host of other non-profits, ensure food rescued will be utilized and not tossed into the landfill.

It would be a pleasure to ‘high-five’ each one of our partners for a job well done—thank you for your generosity both financially and in volunteer labor. We could not do what we do without your encouragement and support. Thank you! ~ Submitted by Will Hernandez

Anne is a single mother that was living in a motel for more than two years. She worked hard to enroll her child into daycare, and was then able to secure a full-time job. Anne was able to work herself out of the motel and into her own apartment.

But being a one-income family, with new bills and expenses, Anne was struggling to budget for the necessities of living. North Valley Caring Services, a partnering pantry of the Valley Food Bank, was able to help provide food security through its Friday pantry distribution.

Anne was able to get healthy meal options for her and her son. She was so grateful for the help and support she received, so much so that she would later help a pregnant, trafficked woman off the streets. “After all the help I was given I just want to give back,” she said.

Before coming to the food ministry at Leaves of Healing, Bruce would purchase his food from Dollar Tree, living off dollar dinners and frozen and canned foods. He is retired, lives alone and his income is his social security pension.

Bruce’s neighbor Ron told him about the food ministry. Coming back to a church was a slight challenge for Bruce, because of a past hurtful church experience, but he stepped out in faith, as he knew his need would be met.

“Because of the food distributed by the food ministry, compliments of the Valley Food Bank, I now eat fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, fish, poultry, breads, dairy and more,” Bruce said.
“I feel healthier eating a proper diet.”

Bruce is now able to cook and provide hot meals for some neighbors, as well. “When I think of the Valley Food Bank ministry at Leaves of Healing Tabernacle, I am reminded of the miracle of the fishes and loaves,” he said. “I give thanks for the abundance of our Lord and the good hearts and dedication of this ministry.”

Now, every Wednesday at 3:30 p.m., Bruce Bowman and an accompanying group pull up to the Leaves of Healing Tabernacle on bikes, now called the “The Bicycle Ministry.”

Apart from the food, Bruce’s life has changed as he now attends church on Tuesdays and Friday nights with Pastor Lorraine Coconato. Brother Frank has gone out of his way to make special accommodations for the Bicycle Ministry to park their bikes in the church.

“Through the generosity of Valley Food Bank, I feel loved, accepted, and well fed,” Bruce said. “I receive spiritual comfort, prayer and opportunities to worship and grow in my relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus. I give heartfelt thanks.”

On Wednesdays, as the night sky comes over the San Fernando Valley, Bruce’s bike is loaded up with food that lasts the whole week. Thank you, Valley Food Bank for doing God’s work and meeting the needs of the hungry and lost!

It is not always easy to get “excited” about doing evening outreach every week, especially when you have had a very long day. God is aware of this, and for that reason he occasionally offers us exchanges meant to encourage and to energize us. This is exactly what occurred to me last month while doing outreach. I recall being extremely tired and frustrated by the early day events that are associated with being a director of a grass roots organization. We loaded our vehicles with the food that we would be giving families who are homeless and living in motels. As soon as we finished praying, my thought was to simply remain in the background and to let others do the “heavy lifting.”

God had other plans. At the first of four motels, a woman named Ceci walked directly over to me and said that a few minutes before we arrived, she was praying that God would send her someone to help feed her kids. Ceci had run out of food stamps two days prior and had no way of feeding her children. Actually, Ceci had another option. She had done it in the past and she did not want to resort to it again. You see, Ceci has been housed on San Fernando Valley’s Sepulveda Boulevard where prostitution is still prevalent. Ceci’s prayer was a supplication that God might intervene and that she might not have to prostitute herself as she had done in the past.

As Ceci shared the graphic details of her situation, I could feel my heart wrenching. I assured her that as long as we were around, she would never have to prostitute herself ever again. As I was telling her about all of our programs, I could sense that God had used this woman to speak in to my life. It was meant to assure me that the work that we do is impactful and that when I am tired, he is able! In addition, more than anything, I should be mindful of this fact.

Ceci is now a regular at our food pantry where she receives food for her family. In getting to know Ceci, I have learned that she has an amazing voice and that she has been part of worship groups all of her life. It just so happens that there is another mom who I met who is a trained worship leader. Stay tuned… God is good!
~ Submitted by Manny Flores, executive director of North Valley Caring Services

Carolina is a single mom of a beautiful baby daughter. She lives in Canoga Park and recently underwent a custody battle. She came to the House, A Church Family a few months back asking for some help with clothing and then came last month for food supplies. She was able to get a lot of goodies courtesy of the Valley Food Bank.

Carolina, as well as the many others who frequent the food distribution, were very grateful for the supplies they took home that day. We at the House are always thankful for the ministry of the Valley Food Bank and their generosity in supplying us the means to reach out to the community of needy people. We freely give (with a smile) what we have received.

Mr. Frank, the truck driver who comes to us at Reseda Boulevard and Sherman Way, is always a joy to see at every food pantry distribution. His joyful face lights up—as do ours—as he unloads the food that will be a blessing to so many on that blessed Saturday morning. We are praying for more kind and generous contributors and donors to the Valley Food Bank.
~ Submitted by Pastor Manny, the House, A Church Family