Working under the auspices of the Community Concerns Committee, Project Response is a food collection program that distributes food to various food banks in the county. It attempts to involve all families in the church in donating food to those in need.

Volunteers contact families in specific areas to donate one or more bags of groceries. The food is then distributed to our church Food Pantry, Lutheran Social Services and Manna. Please say “YES” when you are called. If you have any questions, or want to help, contact Tom Saldin at (805) 492-9742.

The Manna Story

MANNA, the Conejo Valley Food Bank, was started in 1971 by a few concerned citizens who decided to help their neighbors by gathering food items in one location for distribution. At that time there were many families affected by layoffs in the aerospace industry. As news of the good neighbor effort spread, others became involved. Local businesses, churches, schools, youth groups and civic groups contributed to the cause and a deep relationship with the community was born.

In 1981, MANNA moved to its current location at 3020 Crescent Way in Thousand Oaks. At first, the house itself was rented out to a local family and the garage converted to a food pantry. By 1985 the house was paid for by the generosity of the community, and the first part-time professional administrator was hired.

MANNA exists solely because of the caring people of the Conejo Valley. MANNA accepts anything that would be purchased in a grocery store, from food to personal care items (no liquor or medicines). Produce is donated from local gardens and trees.

MANNA will help low-income families in the Conejo Valley (From Camarillo to Calabasas) who can show proof of residency. A simple application is filled out and applicants are qualified once a year. Volunteers then assist clients as they choose items from MANNA’s shelves, ensuring they receive food they would buy.

With the ever-increasing needs of its clients, MANNA continues to grow and evolve to ensure our neighbors are treated with dignity and empowered to increase the quality of their life.

Lutheran Social Services

For information on how Lutheran Social Services supports our county, click here.