Everyone can help make a difference in the fight against hunger in the Conejo Valley. Those in need—many of whom are children, seniors and the working poor—rely on Manna for their next meal. Whether you are an individual, company or community group, your donations have a direct impact on the lives of our friends and neighbors in need.
In addition to financial support, you can become a part of the Manna community by donating food, organizing a food drive, volunteering or introducing Manna to your friends, neighbors and business associates. Whatever your involvement, your participation helps bring Manna one step closer to ending hunger in the Conejo Valley.
Manna welcomes the opportunity to work with a variety of community organizations to help fight hunger. Food that is collected in your food drive is sorted at our facility and becomes available to clients through Manna’s Community Food Pantry. Manna employees and dedicated volunteers from schools, churches, sports teams, clubs, troops and businesses work tirelessly to process donations through our system to benefit those in need and we look forward to working with you!
To volunteer, please send an email to info@mannaconejo.org. Tell us your contact info; individual or group; days and times you can volunteer; number, gender and ages of people in your group; and any limitations that would prevent lifting up to 40 pounds
Organizing A Food Drive? Check Out Our Toolkit!
You may remember the days when a canned food drive hosted by a school, church or office was enough to support a food pantry’s needs, but in today’s world of food insecurity the most effective way to fight hunger in our area is through monetary donations. Cash donations allow Manna to strategically purchase food when pantry shelves are low and during lean summer and early fall months, before holiday food drives begin. It also enables us to strategize long-term solutions and create better access for our most vulnerable citizens.
The impact your contribution has is great; better enabling Manna to serve the some 20,000 residents throughout the Conejo Valley who struggle with food insecurity.
Donate By:
- Check – Make checks payable to Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank
- (mail to PO Box 1114, Thousand Oaks, CA 91358)
- In-Person – at Manna, 3020 Crescent Way, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
- Online – through our secure donation page (DONATE button at top of page)
- Grocery Store Gift Cards – enables Manna to purchase needed food items during lean periods.
Did You Know?
Many employers offer matching gift programs that can double, even triple your cash contribution. To find out if your company offers such a program check with the appropriate employee relations department at your place of employment.
Other Ways to Give:
Manna also accepts gifts of stocks, bonds, annuities and other securities. To find out more, or to discuss the many estate planning options please contact the Board of Directors at BoardOfDirectors@MannaConejo.org.
We will gladly accept unexpired (within 12 months prior to the “sell-by” date), non-perishable food items that are unopened and in good condition. Home gardeners are also welcome to drop off fresh fruits and vegetables that are ripe and in good condition.
Food donations can be made in-person at the Manna pantry. Please check our “Drop Off” hours to insure staff or volunteers will be there to accept your donation and give you a tax receipt.
To learn about holding your own food drive, CLICK HERE.
ACCEPTABLE FOOD
We will gladly accept unexpired (within 12 months prior to the “sell-by” date), non-perishable food items that are unopened and in good condition. Home gardeners are also welcome to drop off fresh fruits and vegetables that are ripe and in good condition. There are certain foods we always need, contact us for more information.
CANNOT ACCEPT
Due to food safety regulations we cannot accept cans without labels, severely dented cans, opened packages or partially used packages of any kind. These items are disposed of immediately at great expense to Manna. For liability reasons, we do not accept alcoholic beverages of any kind. These items are disposed of immediately at great expense to Manna.
TOP 10 LIST
| 1. |
Fresh Eggs and Egg Cartons |
| 2. | Baking Items – Cake/Cookie Mix – Sugar |
| 3. | Hamburger Helper |
| 4. | Tomato Sauce / Paste |
| 5. | Canned Pasta |
| 6. | Canned Stew/Chilli |
| 7. | Spaghetti Sauce |
| 8. | Hot & Cold Cereal |
| 9. | Mac and Cheese |
| 10. | Cookies/Crackers |
Food drives are a fun way to help out and get people involved in the fight against hunger. Please click on the “Food Drive Toolkit” button for all the information you’ll need to get started.
ADULT:
- Client Escort – take clients through the pantry as they select food. Volunteers for this position need to commit to a regular weekly schedule. (Limited positions available on Tuesday & Friday client days)
- Sorters & Stockers – help keep our pantry shelves stocked; sort & date check incoming food donations. This volunteer position is more flexible as to days and times available. Volunteers can work once a week, monthly, periodically or during holidays.
- Administrative – a regularly scheduled commitment that provides phone coverage, answers questions regarding volunteering, food drives and community service opportunities; greets donors; performs a variety of clerical jobs, data entry and helps with special projects as needed. Computer literacy is required.
CORPORATE:
Corporate group arrangements can be made with certain guidelines & weather permitting. Groups must volunteer during Manna’s normal business hours and may not exceed 25 people (except during holiday drives, when more volunteers are needed). Groups will be given a set of directions on specific projects, usually sorting, date checking, stocking and organizing, but it will be the groups responsibility to determine how to accomplish the needed tasks. These volunteer projects are perfect for corporate team building exercises.
YOUTH GROUPS
Tours and community service projects are available for a variety of young people. Youth, 14-years and older are able to work independently sorting and stocking the pantry. Youth 12 to 14-years must be accompanied by an adult to supervise sorting and stocking projects. For safety reasons Manna does not encourage volunteers younger than 12-years of age.
STUDENT COMMUNITY SERVICE
Manna is a community based and community supported organization, and like those who give to us, we strive to give back in return; providing the opportunity for young people to meet school required community service hours. However, we receive many more requests than we can possibly meet. So, in the spirit of those who help, Manna has instituted the “Students Stamping Out Hunger” food drive program. Its fun, easy and a simple way to earn your community service hours and help Manna with its greatest need—FOOD!
Manna also has limited student volunteer spaces available on Saturday from 8:00am – 10:00am for students who prefer to work at the pantry. Spaces are limited and students must register in advance. To volunteer on Saturday, please send an email to info@mannaconejo.org with STUDENT VOLUNTEER in the subject line. Give us your contact info, gender and age, and any limitations that would prevent you lifting up to 40 pounds.
Manna Food Bank
Founded in 1971 by a group of people who felt that no person should ever go hungry in the Conejo Valley.
read more
