“I have no food in my house right now.” Those are difficult words to say out loud but John shared them because he knows he’s not alone. Living on a small Social Security income every month is a balancing act. If he spends more on groceries, he worries about paying his bills. If he pays his bills first, there may not be enough money left for food. No one should have to make that choice, but unfortunately, a lot of Ventura County seniors...
Excess crops are an essential source of fresh food for our neighbors. In 2024, 101,643 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables were gathered through 184 gleaning events — all thanks to the dedication of Food Share volunteers led by Head Gleaner, Dave Orr. For the past 10 years, Dave has led Food Share’s gleaning program, coordinating volunteers, scouting for fruit to pick, and managing the logistics that bring fresh produce directly to families in need. Dave’s work begins long before anyone sets...
Jeff Dietz is the Food Pantry Coordinator at River Community Church, overseeing donations, volunteer coordination, and weekly pantry operations. Under his leadership, the pantry serves over 700 people each week, a number that has tripled in just three years. “Without access to the food that Food Share provides, our pantry wouldn’t be able to function. About 80% of what we distribute comes directly from Food Share—hands down, they’re vital to us.” Jeff describes the people they serve as resilient and diverse. Many...
Ten years ago, when Lisa moved to Simi Valley as a single mother of two young children, life was uncertain. After losing her job, she found herself in a situation she never expected: needing help putting food on the table. Like many people, Lisa carried assumptions about food assistance programs. She worried about what others might think and whether asking for help meant she had somehow failed. Then she discovered something different. The people she met at food distributions were neighbors, parents, workers,...
Bob Kinseth collects food for eight families in his community, including single mothers, elderly neighbors, and children who have recently lost a parent. “Having access to this food makes their life a lot easier. It helps them get by, especially those on very limited budgets. It probably provides two or three meals that they wouldn’t otherwise have.” Bob and his wife carefully distribute items based on dietary needs, making sure fresh fruits, meats, and gluten-free products reach those who need them most. “A...
Roger Crump collects food for a few people in his community, including family members, friends, and neighbors facing severe challenges—some are homeless, some live in housing programs, and one has had both legs amputated. “I pick up food for them and deliver it directly. Without this, many of them wouldn’t have anything to eat a couple of days a week. It makes a real difference.” Roger first came to Food Share through his church, attending a drive-through distribution. “The volunteers were lovely and...
Four years ago, Jose Fernandez visited our Pantry Partner Adelante Conejo Comunidad for community service hours but quickly found a deeper purpose volunteering at their community marketplace. “It’s been really fun,” he said. “I want to be here as long as I can.” Volunteering has helped Jose connect with his community, gain mentorship, and build life skills. “Through this work, I’ve met people who have guided me on college and career paths,” he shared. At the same time, Food Share supports his...
Leslie Saloki has been volunteering at Food Share for about a year, often bringing her high school son along. “I feel like food and shelter are the most essential things people need,” she says. “Volunteering here is my way to make an impact in the community and show young people the importance of helping others.” Even as a working professional, Leslie sometimes relies on Food Share herself. Rising grocery costs make meal planning a challenge. “When I go to the store,...
At EP Foster Elementary, where 92% of students come from low-income families, site director Daniel Flores knows the struggle many families face. “If they can’t eat, they can’t learn,” he says. That’s why the new Food Share pantry at the after-school program is such a game-changer—families leave with grocery bags full of essentials, and students go home nourished and ready to thrive. “The smiles on their faces… it’s just so inspiring,” Daniel shares. Food Share’s support didn’t just make groceries possible;...
At Food Share’s College Park drive-thru food distribution, we met two neighbors waiting patiently in line: Cecilio and Chuys. Though their stories are different, both shared the same concern many families across Ventura County are facing right now — the rising cost of simply getting by. Cecilio came to the United States decades ago and spent 45 years working hard to build a better life. He retired last year, hoping to finally enjoy a well-earned rest. Instead, he now worries about...
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