Families

We met Rachel, mom of four children, at the River Pantry in Ventura. Like many families in Ventura County, she works hard to stay afloat, but rising costs and unexpected expenses can make it difficult to keep food on the table. When finances fall short, Food Share helps bridge the gap, providing the groceries her family needs to get through the week. “Sometimes we run into a financial issue, and this is why I love coming here, because it helps so much.” With...

Kia is a mother of three — two girls and a boy, ages three, 19 months, and 11 years. “I’m a stay-at-home mom. Although my husband works, it’s still not meeting our needs. Everything has been increasing so much that it’s been a real struggle to get through the week. Even if we go shopping halfway through the week, there’s nothing in the fridge.” Kia discovered Food Share after searching for food assistance locally.

For Valerie, a student at a local high school, Food Share has become a steady source of comfort and nourishment for her family. Living with her mom and four siblings, she says the healthy food they receive makes a real difference. “The food you guys give is very helpful,” Valerie says. “It’s healthy and it really helps families who can’t always afford groceries.” Her favorite part? “The fruit—especially on hot days. My siblings and I really like it.” Valerie remembers feeling unsure the...

Lena’s thirteen year old son, Roman, talks about how important the food they receive from Food Share is to his family. ...

For Lena, a full-time student at Oxnard College, pursuing her education is both a personal dream and a promise to her four children. “I want my kids to see me challenge myself,” she says. “I hope they see I’m trying to make a better life for them.” Lena and her husband, who is on disability, work hard to make ends meet. During the school year, their children receive breakfast and lunch at school, but when summer comes, that vital source of...

Jessie is a client at Still Water’s Pantry in Simi Valley.  I live with my husband and we also have one of our older granddaughters living with us, along with her son and her daughter. My husband is a massage therapist and I’m a manicurist so work has been off and on. We had to figure things out. How to, you know, pay Peter without robbing Paul. When I started coming to the pantry I was just excited....

Gina is a client at Still Water’s Pantry in Simi Valley.  I’ve lived in Simi Valley for approximately 15 years. I’m a single mom of five kids, three biological and two that I’ve adopted. I started coming to the food pantry three or four years ago. At one stage my ex-husband and I had a very successful business. When he left, I had no funds to take care of my children. I’m not homeless, so I felt like...