OUR MISSION AND VISION
Our Mission is to assist people in our community by providing food.
Our Vision is to provide at least three days of food and other resources for those who are hungry.
OUR HISTORY
1991
Pantry Founded
Three retired ladies started Lutheran Social Ministries of the Southwest Food Pantry. Families were served a maximum of three times per year from a small building behind Advent Lutheran Church at 75th Avenue and Camelback Road.
2005
Pantry Relocated
At the end of the year, the Pantry was relocated to its present home at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Glendale, AZ. With the help of about 15 volunteers, 12 – 15 families would be served a day.
2012
Started Gaining Sponsors
The Pantry started gaining sponsors who donated their products at the end of the day.
2015
Name Change and Official Non-Profit Designation
The Pantry name was changed to West Valley Community Food Pantry and a 501(c)(3) designation was acquired. As the number of families served and volunteers increased, the pantry began allowing patrons to request a food box four times a year. Before long that number increased to five times per year.
2017
Increased Availability to Families
Families were allowed to request a food box six times a year.
2020
Changes Due to Pandemic
When COVID-19 hit in early 2020, the numbers of those in need grew exponentially as did the donations of food from businesses. To date, the pantry has been able to offer food boxes to those in need on a weekly basis. Once the pandemic is over, we will change the number to 12 times per year.