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Organization: City of Santa Clarita
Date: July 24, 2008
City to Host Summer Food Drive for SCV Food Pantry
More SCV Families turning to SCV Food Pantry for help
In an effort to help the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry, the City of Santa Clarita will host a special Summer Food Drive, August 4-29 at three City locations: City Hall, the Transit Maintenance Facility and the Aquatics Center.
"The Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry has provided supplemental food for those less fortunate in the SCV for the past 22 years. Due to the current economic climate, record increase in the cost of gasoline and groceries, many families who were already struggling to put food on the tables are now forced to turn to the SCV Food Pantry for help feeding their families," explains Belinda Crawford, Executive Director of the Pantry.
Historically, summer months are the lowest for donations but families have the highest need for assistance since school is out and low income children do not receive the free breakfast and lunch programs provide during the regular school year.
"The SCV Food Pantry has experienced a 53% increase in the number of clients during the first quarter of this year over the same period last year. The need is the highest seen in years. The SCV Food Pantry served more than 4,500 unduplicated individuals since January of last year and has a goal of making sure no child in our community goes to bed hungry. We want to help with that mission," commented Mayor Bob Kellar.
Some of the most-needed, non-perishable items include canned meat, fish, soups, vegetables, peanut butter and pasta.
The City of Santa Clarita will host three drop off points during August at: City Hall, 23920 Valencia Boulevard; the Aquatics Center at 20850 Centre Pointe Parkway; and the Transit Maintenance Facility, 28250 Constellation Road. Donations may be dropped off Monday through Thursday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and on Fridays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. All donations will be given to the SCV Food Pantry.
The Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry was established in 1986 by a small group of community volunteers. The Pantry uses food donations from the community to provide supplemental food on a short-term basis to qualified local residents. Approximately 90 volunteers work together to sort food, prepare bags, and help distribute the food to low income residents of the SCV.
For information about food donations or volunteer opportunities at the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry, contact Belinda Crawford, Executive Director of the Food Pantry at 661-255-9078.
