Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank is a unique food pantry started more than 50 years ago to support families in the Conejo Valley that were struggling with food insecurity. We serve an average of 180 families each month and distribute more than 225,000 lbs. of food.
Manna serves as a safety net for our neighbors struggling to make ends meet due to job loss, underemployment, disability or fixed incomes. We serve our neighbors with dignity by providing a well-stocked free grocery store. Our shelves are full of pantry staples, our refrigerators offer fresh produce and dairy, and our freezer holds frozen chicken and variety of other frozen selections.
In 1971, Conejo Valley families were hit with job layoffs due to the aerospace recession. Several friends saw their neighbors suddenly in need. The friends joined together to collect and distribute food to their neighbors and called themselves Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank. Continuously since that time, Manna has been providing free groceries to our neighbors.
Manna receives its confirmation as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) from the IRS.
Manna moves to its home for the next thirty-plus years, a 700 sqft home on Crescent Way in Old Town Thousand Oaks.
Manna is incorporated as Manna, Conejo Valley Food Distribution Center, Inc. It continues to operate as Manna, Manna Food Bank, and Manna Conejo Valley Food Bank.
A cookbook is created for Manna pantry clients
Manna marks 25 years of serving the community with a celebration fundraising event.
Kemp Ford donates a box truck that Manna still uses!
First full-time director is hired
Manna purchases a former church on Oakview Drive to house an expanded facility
Toyota Thousand Oaks donates a minivan to be used by Manna
Groundbreaking ceremony for new Manna facility and Manna celebrates its 50th year in service to the community
Manna moves into its new home at 95 N. Oakview Drive in Thousand Oaks
Darin Arrasmith – President – Broker, Newbridge Real Estate Services
Aaron Podell – Vice President – VP Services Manager, Pacific Western Bank
Jane Rosner – Secretary – Doctor, West Valley Hearing Center
Russell Smith – Treasurer – CFO/Business Consulting
Veronica Ellias – Past President – Laritech, Inc
Karen Ingram – Director – Retired, Community Services, Lanterman Regional Center
Cameron Parton – Director – Food Services Director, La Reina High School
Kyle Lundberg – Director – Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
David Masci – Director - Attorney, Law Office of Masci and Masci
Beth McClure – Director - SVP, Marketing, Beachy
Ruilong Ma – Director - Category Strategy Lead, Amgen
Leanne Portzel – Executive Director
