Moorpark Food Pantry assists families with their needs
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com
The Moorpark Food Pantry is seeking food donations to help local families in need and homeless individuals make ends meet.

The donations do more than feed people who live on the edge of poverty. They provide a cushion for parents in difficult situations and make it possible for their children to grow up in a stable environment, said John Rak, resource director for Catholic Charities, which operates the pantry.

Many families have already benefited from the generosity of Moorpark residents, but there are a large number who still need help.

When Jose and Maria (not their real names) came to the Moorpark Food Pantry nine years ago to obtain food and financial assistance for their family of six, they were about to be evicted from their home because they didn't have enough money to pay their rent.

Catholic Charities gave the couple $300, enabling them to remain in their home and empowering Jose to find a job.

Over the next few years, the family struggled to cover all their bills, occasionally relying on the food pantry for extra food and holiday meals. They managed to get by and were able to stay in Moorpark to raise their children, Rak said.

Now Jose and Maria's oldest son, Carlos, who graduated from Moorpark High School and has entered college, is volunteering at the food pantry to help other families that need assistance.

"The Moorpark Pantry was always there for my family in our time of need. I grew up knowing a friendly place to go when my parents were feeling financially stressed," the 22year-old said.

Many Moorpark families face similar circumstances, at times having to rely on the generosity of Moorpark residents. Once things improve, they themselves often become caregivers, Rak said.

People in difficult situations can come once a week to get food from donated supplies.

Every year Moorpark residents donate an estimated $40,000 worth of goods to the pantry, not counting holiday food baskets, clothing, furniture, household items, school supplies and toys.

In addition to offering those basic items, Catholic Charities provided financial assistance valued at about $70,000 between July 1, 2006 and June 30, 2007.

About half of that amount went toward rent assistance; $10,600 was used to help farm workers who were out of work after the January freeze, and the remainder helped families pay for dental care, funerals, utility bills and more.

The Moorpark Food Pantry benefits about 3,000 families or individuals every year, with an estimated $200,000 worth of help.

"That equates to about $67 per client per year," Rak said.

Eighty-nine percent of those who receive assistance live in Moorpark and the immediate surrounding areas. Only 20 percent of recipients earn more than $25,000 a year.

The Food Pantry is at 609 Fitch Ave. It accepts food donations and grocery cash cards. Call Patricia at (805) 529-0720 to check for hours of operation.