Food Share of Ventura County has been selected as a 2020 California Nonprofit of the Year amid its massive effort to combat hunger during the coronavirus pandemic.The program, organized for the last five years by the California Association of Nonprofits, asks state legislators to choose an outstanding nonprofit organization in their district to honor with the award.Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin of the 44th district said in a statement Food Share of Ventura County has risen up in an exceptional way to meet the increased demand of hungry families brought on by the virus and its economic fallout. “Their work in distributing food to nearly 750,000 individuals since the start of the pandemic has played a vital role in holding our community together during our greatest hour of need,” Irwin added. Foodshare Chief Executive Monica White in a statement called the award a “wonderful honor.” Since the pandemic hit in March, Food Share has hosted daily grocery box giveaways and pop-up pantries throughout the county; helped roll out the Department of Agriculture’s Farmers to Families Food Box program; and supported local restaurants by purchasing gift cards in bulk to distribute among its clientele.The nonprofit has done all this amid a severe volunteer shortage and during a time when donors’ pocketbooks are tighter than ever.“I’m so proud of the team here at Food Share and our network of community partners who have all worked tirelessly to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry,” White added in a statement.Valley-region organizations in other legislative districts honored as California Nonprofits of the Year include: Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural & Bookstore in Sylmar; Street Co. in Lancaster; Free Clinic of Simi Valley; Glendale Young Women’s Christian Association; West Valley Food Pantry in Woodland Hills; North Valley Caring Services in North Hills; Valley InterCommunity Council in Van Nuys; and North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry.
