The Food Bank’s partner agency serves the housed and unhoused communities in the San Fernando Valley

Times are tough for many families across Los Angeles County. The financial strains of the pandemic continue to affect low-income communities, and inflation is hurting households with multiple incomes, forcing many to seek food assistance.

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank and its partner agencies across LA County are here to help, like the North Valley Caring Services (NVCS) food pantry. With the assistance of nearly hundreds of thousands of volunteers, the Food Bank is able to remain highly efficient, and most importantly, serve those in need.

Individuals may turn to food pantries for help, but once they are back on their feet, return to help others in need. The following are stories of volunteers from NVCS and how contributing to their community has helped them.

Monica Volunteers for a Morale Boost and Food to Help Her Family

If the pandemic and inflation haven’t brought enough woes, cancer is something else to add to Monica Servin’s list. But despite being diagnosed with cancer, Servin’s morale is high. Whenever she feels well enough, Servin goes to NVCS to volunteer, loading up people’s cars with the food that will help them get by. She loves to see the happy faces of food recipients as they see the food is loaded.

But sometimes, Servin needs that help herself.

“There are four people at home, two that work,” Servin said. “Thankfully they exist because if not, what are we going to do?”

Volunteering to Keep Up with Tradition

Danny Rothbone retired from the United States Postal Service back in 1992. During his tenure at the Postal Service, and as a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers (AFL-CIO), he learned about Stamp Out Hunger, a national food drive where carriers collect non-perishable food donations from households and businesses, and deliver them to local community food banks, pantries, and shelters.

Once Rothbone retired, he wanted to continue giving back the same way his union used to, by feeding those in need. And that’s how he got involved at the North Valley Caring Services. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, Rothbone shows up at NVCS to help prepare meals for the hungry.

“We answered the call, we’re feeding the people of this neighborhood,” Rothbone said.

Supporting the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank means supporting programs and partner agencies like the North Valley Caring Services food pantry. If you are in a position to do so, please consider donating to the Food Bank.