At ALLBRiGHT 1-800-PAINTING, we believe strongly in giving back, and we’re drawn to local organizations that work to make a positive impact in our local community. We want you to know about these organizations too. Welcome to our monthly spotlight, aimed at raising awareness of the good that’s being done in the community.
This month, we’d like to recognize Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry for their work in alleviating hunger through the Santa Clarita Valley.
“No Child in the Santa Clarita Valley should go to bed hungry.” That’s the belief and vision propelling the SCV Food Pantry forward. And for more than 35 years, the team has been working to keep that commitment by providing supplemental food on a short-term basis to those in need.
Humble Beginnings
Like most big ideas, the SCV Food Pantry started out small. Recognizing a growing number of hungry in the valley, Hod and Mary Wadsworth, along with Rev. Lynn Jay of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church and Sharon Rodes-Wickett of Santa Clarita United Methodist Church, began their plans to form a nonprofit public benefit corporation in 1986.
On their first day of operation, they had only one food item in stock — a bottle of cooking oil. And this oil had to be shared between two families.
But it wasn’t long before the organization grew, serving more and more families in the valley. In 2010, the food pantry distributed approximately 2,000 pounds of food each day, a far cry from that first bottle of cooking oil.
In fact, the organization continues to grow to this day, with its current facilities on Railroad Avenue no longer big enough at 3,000 square feet.
Expanded Programs
As SCV Food Pantry has grown, new needs are often recognized. And they find creative ways to step up and meet those needs.
Senior Outreach
Not only does SCV Food Pantry distribute food to those who need it, they also bring that food to those who can’t access it on their own. In 2006, the pantry began a Senior Outreach Mobile Distribution Program in which volunteers take food to low-income senior citizen apartment complexes. And just like everything else, this program has expanded, now serving 7 apartment complexes in the valley.
Letter Carriers Food Drive
The second Saturday of May is the National Association of Letter Carriers food drive, and SCV Food Pantry is the recipient of the food collected in the Santa Clarita Valley. They use these donations to keep children fed during summer, which is the highest demand of the year — when children are out of school, and no longer have access to school breakfast and lunch programs.
Food Drives
Throughout the year, the pantry organizes different food drives and fundraisers to collect food and money to keep the pantry going — and more importantly, to keep Santa Clarita Valley tummies full.
Lifesaving Services
The services provided by SCV Food Pantry are truly lifesaving. As one client wrote, “My sister fell hard. She lost her job, had medical issues and wasn’t receiving enough child support to feed her children. All of this happened at once. God Bless the Food Pantry. My sister went to the Food Pantry and they welcomed her with open arms. They were able to give her some immediate food relief. The Food Pantry not only gave her food but also support and hope. It gives one comfort to know that someone really cares.”
Support The Food Pantry
In 2012, our team was able to serve the SCV Food Pantry through our Paint-It-Forward program. Here’s a video that highlights the event.
The SCV Food Pantry accepts automatic monthly monetary donations, one-time monetary donations, and food donations. You can also volunteer your time in a variety of ways. Learn more, and donate today.