Stories

Stories
22 May

Everything You Give Us Is a Blessing – Cecilio and Chuys

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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21 May

Finding Joy in Giving Back – Janie

“I love working here, it’s a blast. I just wish I had found it sooner.” That’s how Janie sums up her experience volunteering with Food Share and her words say everything. What started as a simple decision to give back quickly became something she looks forward to. Not just because of the impact, but because of the experience itself. At Food Share, Janie found more than a volunteer opportunity. She found a community. Each shift is filled with conversation, laughter, and connection. Side by...

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19 May

Family Spotlight: Hard Choices, Real Impact – Lupe

On a recent weekday at College Park in Oxnard, hundreds of cars lined up, waiting patiently for a Food Share distribution to begin. Among them was Lupe Fernandez, a mother of four, sitting in her van and hoping to bring home enough food for her family. For Lupe, this isn’t just about groceries—it’s about making impossible choices a little less frequent. “You have to pick. Either buy food or pay for a bill. It’s hard to pick.” Like many families in Ventura County,...

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19 May

A Decade of Compassion in Action – Kim

What keeps someone coming back to volunteer for over a decade? For Kim Dallape, it’s simple: people. Kim has been volunteering with Food Share since 2014, showing up month after month to support seniors and neighbors facing food insecurity. In this heartfelt story, she shares what she’s seen, who she’s met, and why this work matters so deeply. “This is a critical, critical need for a lot of people. Without it, they don’t eat.” From building lasting relationships with fellow volunteers to recognizing familiar...

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19 May

For Food Share’s Oldest Volunteer, Service Never Retires – Herb

At nearly 89 years old, Herb shows no signs of slowing down. 💪 A dedicated volunteer with Food Share since 2018, Herb spends his Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays helping assemble senior food kits—ensuring our older neighbors have the nourishment they need to stay healthy and independent. When he’s not volunteering, you’ll find him at the gym… because giving back and staying strong go hand in hand. But ask Herb what keeps him coming back, and he’ll tell you—it’s the people. The friendships he’s...

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15 May

17 Years of Showing Up – Jerry

For the past 17 years, Jerry Mendelsohn has been a familiar face at Food Share — packing produce boxes in the warehouse, helping distribute food at College Park, and supporting the mission as both a volunteer and donor. For Jerry, volunteering with Food Share is deeply personal. His connection began decades ago when his mother-in-law helped launch Food Share’s early computer systems in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Ever since, his family has remained connected to the organization and its...

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17 Apr

Family Spotlight: Hope on the Table

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...

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07 Nov

Finding Hope and Stability Through Food Assistance – Kia’s Story

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.

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07 Nov

A Lifeline on a Fixed Income – Missy

Living with a disability and relying on a fixed income, this Ventura County resident faces an impossible balancing act each month—choosing between gas, electricity, and groceries. “It’s an everyday occurrence,” Missy said. “Should I pump gas, or should I eat?” When she first came to a Food Share distribution, she was nervous and unsure what to expect. “I didn’t know if people would be friendly,” she shared, “but I’ve always been treated with kindness and respect.” Now, fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy, and...

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06 Nov

A Godsend in Port Hueneme – Louise

At 75, Louise from Port Hueneme had always worked hard to stay independent. But when degenerative wrist pain forced her to stop her part-time job and federal benefits were cut, she suddenly found herself facing an impossible choice between rent and food. “I made a good salary,” she shared, “but after paying $1,450 in rent, there’s just not enough left for food some months.” Louise discovered Food Share while looking for volunteer opportunities. She began attending distributions to supplement her diet with...

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