Menifee Valley Community Cupboard, a pantry providing food to those in need at no cost, is seeing a growing demand for assistance.
The pantry was founded in January 1998 to provide food for the hungry in Menifee, Canyon Lake and the surrounding unincorporated areas. Last year, the organization served 670 families in the community and is on track to increase to 700 this year, a number comparable to the height of the recession.
“We are the only safety net for a lot of people (in the area) when it comes to food,” said Dawn L. Smith, program director. “Other than those with the heart to help and churches, there aren’t a lot of services working to provide food.”
While the organization does provide services for the homeless, the majority of its clients are seniors and the working poor. According to Smith, there is a noticeable lack of affordable housing in the area and this makes it particularly difficult for households headed by single seniors.
The pantry also makes it possible for families that are struggling to buy groceries to eat healthier. Rather than making dollars stretch by purchasing inexpensive carbohydrates such as ramen, clients are able to provide their family with meat and produce.
“We need the public’s help to encourage those in need to overcome their hesitation and come ask for help,” said Smith. “Don’t hesitate to send people to us.”
In order to reach more families, three years ago the organization started a backpack program for children in the Menifee and Romoland school districts. Last school year, the program served 108 children who primarily received their nutrition at school.
The students receive a backpack on Fridays filled with foods such as rice, beans, instant oatmeal, peanut butter and cereal bars to take home for the weekend. According to Smith, the pack is usually enough to feed two or three siblings. She hopes the program will grow to serve 200 children in the future.
While the local community is incredibly supportive, providing approximately 200,000 pounds of food annually, the organization is always in need of operational funding. Recently, the pantry received a grant from the Community Impact Fund through the Community Foundation to help them build and maximize their fundraising efforts.
Smith is hoping the organization will reach more supporters to help them sustain their work and grow. She also encourages the community to shop at their thrift shop.
The majority of the funds to pay the rent and keep the lights on comes from products sold at The Menifee Valley Thrift Shop, 26944 Cherry Hills Blvd. The store sells clothing, collectibles and furniture, and offers a holiday section with affordable seasonal decorations.
“So many of the people we serve are the people who live next door or sit at the desk next to you at work and in school,” Smith said. “These are the faces of the hungry.”
Information: mvcupboard.org or 951-301-4414
The Community Foundation’s mission is to strengthen Inland Southern California through philanthropy.
