MANNA | The Manna Story


	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. There were, at that time, many families affected by layoffs in the aerospace industry.






	As news of the good neighbor effort spread, churches became involved and schools started food drives. Local businesses also contributed to the cause and a deep, committed relationship with the community was born. MANNA moved from temporary location to temporary location for many years. As the Conejo Valley grew, the need for a permanent place to provide emergency food help became apparent. 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. The most important source of consistent giving is from clubs, churches, temples and businesses who have agreed to be involved in a giving program. MANNA also receives tremendous support from both public and private schools in our community. With donated funds, MANNA purchases items such as eggs, margarine, chicken, and ground beef. MANNA accepts anything that would have to be purchased in a grocery store, from food to personal care items (no liquor or medicines). Commercial freezer and refrigerator space is available for storage of perishable food. Produce is donated from the MANNA community Garden, and many residents bring in fruit from their citrus trees. MANNA will help low-income families in the Conejo Valley (From Camarillo to Calabasas) who can show proof of residency and proof of income. A simple application is filled out and applicants are qualified once a year. Volunteers then assist clients as they choose items from our shelves, ensuring they receive food they would buy themselves from the store if they were able. MANNA receives no government support and is fully funded and supported by members of the community. This enables us to meet the ever-changing needs of our clients without being tied down by restrictions associated with government programs. The MANNA Outreach is a pilot program. It was set up to serve those who are in need of MANNA’s help, but are housebound due to illness and/or disability and cannot physically obtain MANNA’s services. Because time is often spent visiting after delivering the food, a special bonding occurs between the volunteer and client with an average of 2 hours, twice a month being spent. In 2006, MANNA hired John "J.P." Gorham, it's first full-time Executive Director. With the ever-increasing needs of our clients, MANNA continues to grow and evolve to ensure our neighbors are treated with dignity and empowered to increase the quality of their life.