Who We Are
Our Mission
The SCV Food Pantry is a non profit organization dedicated to alleviating hunger throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. Our goal is to meet the current and future hunger needs of our neighbors and to ensure self-sufficiency through active partnerships with other organizations within our community. We serve families and individuals who are living in uncertainty, seeking assistance and looking for a better life.
How We Began
What began as the Santa Clarita Valley Hunger Coalition in the early 1980s became the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry in 1986. Established as a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation, the SCV Food Pantry began operating out of the back of a local church. In 1992 the Food Pantry rented the current facility on Railroad Avenue and in 2002 the facility was purchased with bank financing. By 2006 the facility was owned without debt and the increasing demand for services prompted the Food Pantry to begin mobile outreach to Seniors and currently offers food assistance at 8 remote sites.
Meet Our Wonderful Team
Board Of Directors
April Johnson, Member
Henry Balta, Member
Jeffrey Winger, Treasurer
Michael Crawford, Member
Phil Howard, President
Steve Garland, Secretary
Food Pantry Staff
Joanne Ainsworth, Executive Director
Evan Hare, Senior Outreach Coordinator
Mario Sierra, Operation Manager
Michael Lopez, Office and Warehouse Assistant
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"The Food Pantry is a life saving program because my income is such that I would have to buy my medicine and eat one meal per day (mac and cheese). I can at least have usually 3 meals with the food Pantry program. Thank You! Thank You!"
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Non-Affiliated Service
The SCV Food Pantry is not affiliated with any church or political party and does not receive funding from government agencies. Our organization depends solely on the generosity of individuals, local merchants, and grants to fund the service of those in need. With just one full-time employee and limited part time employees, we rely on amazing and dedicated volunteers who give their time, gathering, sorting and distributing the contributions our generous donors. Food distribution by the SCV food pantry is on a short-term, supplemental need-basis without regard to the applicant’s religion, ethnicity, race, gender, age or sexual orientation.
Transparency
The SCV Food Pantry is committed to transparency in all our activities and business operations. As a 501(c)3 corporation, we maintain CPA-reviewed financial statements and ensure timely tax filings. The SCV Food Pantry has earned a gold star rating with Guidestar.
