For the last quarter-century, the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry has been helping provide food to less fortunate families in our valley. While their operation started small in a storage bin at St. Stephens Church in Valencia and expanded to its headquarters on Railroad Avenue in downtown Newhall, the number of people served has grown, especially in these difficult economic times.

In 2010, the Pantry distributed more than 780,000 pounds of supplemental food to more than 6,000 local people in need. Donations during the summer months are especially needed and the Pantry is currently conducting its annual request for donations.

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Many local children, out of school for the summer, may not have access to free and reduced price meals provided when school is in session. These children will need all their meals provided at home, which will make a major impact on those families already struggling to put food on the table.

Without help from the Pantry, many of these children will be forced to skip meals. Skipping meals during this formative time of their young lives is counter-productive, as they are dependent on nutritious food to grow.

They are also seeking sponsors for their 18th Annual Run/Walk Against Hunger, 1K Kiddie Run and Halloween Contest scheduled for Sunday, October 30.  Various sponsor levels are available and proceeds will support food purchases and programs to ensure that, as their slogan says, “no child in the Santa Clarita Valley should go to bed hungry.”

The Run/Walk Against Hunger is an early-morning event at Newhall Park that will be made even more special in honor of the 25^th anniversary with the addition of gourmet breakfast food trucks and other surprises for runners and their families and friends.

According to Belinda Crawford, Executive Director of the Pantry, “Donations of nonperishable foods are always appreciated, however, monetary donations at this time of year will allow us the flexibility to purchase nutritious food and fresh milk and supply a balanced package of supplemental food each time a family visits the Pantry.”

The Pantry is a volunteer-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with approximately 100 regular volunteers. More than 1,100 senior citizens receive food through the Pantry’s outreach program and through a partnership with the SCV Senior Center, provide food for more than 20 homebound seniors monthly. They also provide food for more than 20 homeless individuals.

Clients are referred to the Pantry from schools, churches, local social services and word of month, and all services are provided free of charge to our neighbors in need.

For more information please check www.scvfoodpantry.org or contact Belinda at the SCV Food Pantry 661.255.9078 or info@scvfoodpantry.org.