Fighting Hunger in Vulnerable Communities

Income inequality

San Fernando Valley Other

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

In Los Angeles County, 25% of households—approximately 832,000—face food insecurity, including 95,000 in the San Fernando Valley. Many lack access to fresh, healthy food. Additionally, 81% of LAUSD students qualify for free lunch, highlighting the widespread need. Low-income families are often forced to choose between feeding their families and affording rent, utilities, and other basic needs. This daily struggle impacts children’s development, educational outcomes, and overall health. Access to food pantries and supportive services is critical to promoting stability, wellness, and self-sufficiency. Addressing this issue now is vital as high living costs continue to rise, deepening economic inequality and poverty.

This grant will support North Valley Caring Services’ (NVCS) ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity through our weekly food pantry. Every Friday, NVCS distributes fresh, healthy perishable and non-perishable food to over 800 families across Los Angeles County—regardless of housing status, income level, or legal status. We rely on in-kind donations from food banks and local stores, allowing us to offer these items at no cost to those in need.
What makes NVCS different is that we are not just a food pantry—we are a community center. Many of the people we serve return to volunteer and help us reach others. Our core volunteer group includes over 50 committed individuals, many from low-income or undocumented backgrounds. These are local mothers and residents who dedicate 8 to 35 hours a week to serve others, helping us reach over 35,000 families annually.
Our inclusive, dignity-driven model empowers the very community we serve to be part of the solution. By fostering local leadership and providing wraparound support like hygiene kits, showers, and case management, NVCS acts as a hub of stability and opportunity in the San Fernando Valley, addressing both urgent needs and long-term well-being.

If our work is successful, families across Los Angeles County—especially in the San Fernando Valley—will be better able to supplement their income, retain stable housing, and ensure their children have access to food during school breaks. Over the grant period (Oct 2025–Oct 2026), NVCS aims to serve over 35,000 families with emergency and ongoing food support. Our pantry also connects clients to vital resources through partnerships with other organizations, providing information on housing, health, and legal aid. This direct connection to the community helps us stay responsive to evolving needs. In the long term, we envision expanding our services to more neighborhoods and increasing mobile outreach to underserved areas. By building a stronger, more empowered volunteer base from within the community, NVCS offers a sustainable model of grassroots leadership and service that can be replicated across the County.