Jeffrey is not your average 21 year old. He has been in foster care most of his life, and his five siblings are spread all over California in different homes. His words are few and he finds it difficult to connect with people, as that can be hard when you are constantly having to say goodbye to them. Currently Jeffrey is working as an intern at North Valley Caring Services in North Hills (NVCS), a partnering pantry of the Rescue Mission Alliance Valley Food Bank. Jeffrey is part of the Youth Policy Institute program. He is currently living in a Penny Lane Residence, where he is expected to pay rent as well as feed himself with a part-time job that pays minimum wage. Jeffrey is constantly asking, “What is your favorite fast food joint?” because he has coupons to most of them. He admits that he rarely has food in his fridge because he simply cannot afford it.

Jeffrey has been a great intern who has assisted in several programs, including NVCS’ Food Pantry, which operates every Friday. The first time Jeffrey accompanied us to pick up food at the Rescue Mission Alliance Valley Food Bank, he could barely contain himself.

“All of this food, how much do people have to pay to receive it?” he asked, to which the team answered that it was free. The questions continued. “Do you have to register? What if you have a job? Does that prohibit you from obtaining food?” He almost fell out of the truck when we told him that everyone can receive food from NVCS Pantry free of charge. “Even me? Even me?” he asked. Yes, Jeffrey, especially you.

North Valley Caring Services is proud to partner with the Rescue Mission Alliance Valley Food Bank. They make it possible for us to provide nutritious food and other essentials to the community and individuals like Jeffrey who otherwise might not have any food to eat for a day and sometimes longer.”
~Pastor Manny Flores, NVCS