Q: What does it mean to you to be named the Executive Director of the West Valley Food Pantry?  

A: “Enter to learn, leave to serve” was my college’s motto, although I didn’t feel the full pull toward social justice and community engagement until years later. After working as a bookkeeper, auditor, event planner, database manager, and high school admissions director, I ultimately found my way into nonprofit fundraising and communications. It was there that I felt a clear calling to work with organizations whose mission, location, and, most importantly, the people they serve truly mattered to me.

Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, I have always felt a deep connection to the many neighborhoods, cultures, and communities that make up our region. Serving people in my hometown who need help most is near and dear to my heart. At the same time, it is simply unacceptable that in the United States today, hundreds of thousands of people struggle with food insecurity on a regular basis. I believe access to healthy, nutritious food is a human right, and when the opportunity to lead the West Valley Food Pantry opened up, I felt called to serve my community. I am both thrilled and humbled to lead this organization and to ensure we are helping as many people as possible.

Q: The West Valley Food Pantry has been in existence for 50 years. How do you plan to honor and protect that legacy while continuing to grow and evolve the organization?

A: When Margaret Shively founded a small food closet at Prince of Peace Episcopal Church in 1975, I wonder if she ever imagined what it would become. Since 1985, the West Valley Food Pantry has rallied congregations and community members to provide nonperishable food donations, groceries from Community Food Resources (now the L.A. Regional Food Bank), and financial support from many local sources. These foundations of community partnership remain strong today.

While our roots endure, we have grown exponentially from serving three to five families per week in our earliest days. Today, we provide food to tens of thousands of households every year, an effort made possible by a wide network of partners, neighbors, corporate sponsors, and caring individuals.

In the years ahead, our goal is to expand our reach throughout the West Valley, both among those we serve and those who wish to volunteer or support our work. There are many opportunities to deepen connections with schools, elected officials, businesses, congregations, and community groups, and we look forward to bringing these partners together to strengthen our impact.

Q: In your first month as Executive Director, what have you learned about our clients, volunteers, and community that has most deeply impacted you?

A: This first month has given me the opportunity to witness steadfast volunteers, deeply caring staff members, and everyday people who need our assistance. Our volunteers work tirelessly, in heat, wind, and rain, to deliver help with a smile and without judgment. Our staff show consistent kindness and compassion to clients while working incredibly hard behind the scenes to make everything run smoothly. Their passion for this place and its people is truly inspiring.

Most importantly, I have had the privilege of learning the stories of the people we serve: senior citizens living in low-income housing, a mother and daughter navigating tough times, and families who have experienced recent layoffs and are searching for work while their savings run low. The reasons people come to us are many and unique, but the opportunity to be there for them, whether once or every single week, is a responsibility and a blessing I do not take lightly.

Q: What values or guiding principles are most important to you as you lead the pantry into its next chapter?

A: The West Valley Food Pantry is guided by five core values: compassion, empathy, communication, flexibility, and collaboration. These values serve as a roadmap for how we fulfill our mission of ending hunger in the San Fernando Valley. They are not just important to me as a leader, but to all of us as a community working together toward that goal.

Q: What excites you most about this moment in the pantry’s history?

A: Under Debbie Decker’s tremendous leadership, the organization successfully navigated the pandemic, wildfires, and countless other challenges, culminating in a powerful show of community trust through the capital campaign and the construction of the building that now houses the West Valley Food Pantry.

We now stand on the precipice of “what’s next.” There are tremendous opportunities to grow all three of our core programs: drive-thru grocery distribution, the walk-up window for unhoused individuals, and senior grocery delivery. We also have a service center room in the southeast corner of our building that is ready to host drop-in services and partnerships with other nonprofits, allowing clients to access additional support while they are already here for food.

Looking further ahead, the organization, guided by our board and informed by staff and volunteers, will continue to explore how we provide food and consider which additional services may best support our community. As they say, more to come.

Q: When you need to recharge after a long day, what’s your go-to way to unwind?

A: A Jazzercise dance fitness class, a hike outdoors with my dog, or a glass of wine with loved ones.

Q: If you could share one fun or unexpected fact about yourself with our pantry community, what would it be?

A: I am the youngest of seven children and have 14 nieces and nephews!

Q: And finally, the hardest question of them all, what is your favorite condiment and why?  

A: Garlic aioli – savory, versatile, and a little bit of zing that sticks around afterward!

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Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of Albertsons Companies, Inc., and in partnership with the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, hundreds of families in our community experienced a moment of relief, dignity, and hope when they needed it most. This support made it possible to provide additional assistance to clients who receive CalFresh benefits, federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps individuals and families with low incomes put food on the table.

In January, the West Valley Food Pantry was honored to be selected as a distribution hub for this special initiative. Through this program, we distributed 500 grocery gift cards, each valued at $100, directly to families facing food insecurity. Families of four or more received two gift cards. By the end of the month, the cards had been distributed, reaching 404 households and supporting 960 individuals.

The impact of this program went far beyond numbers.

We heard deeply moving stories from clients whose lives were changed in that moment. One client shared that he was down to his very last $1.49 and had no idea how he would afford food for the remainder of the month. Another client, a mother of four young children, broke down in tears when she learned she would receive a gift card. She explained that she had only $28 left in her bank account and was carefully rationing gas just to make it through the week. She told our staff that her prayers had been answered and that receiving the card felt like Christmas in January.

Before leaving, she embraced one of our staff members, both of them crying together in that shared moment of relief and gratitude. That staff member later reflected, “At the West Valley Food Pantry, we don’t just feed people—we feed souls.” It’s a sentiment that perfectly captures the heart of our mission and the compassion behind every interaction we have with our clients.

Moments like these remind us why this work matters and how powerful community support can be. We are profoundly grateful to Albertsons Companies, Inc., and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank for helping us bring comfort, stability, and hope to so many families in our community.

On December 13, 2025, we were proud to host our Holiday Toy Giveaway in partnership with National Charity League, creating a day filled with smiles, generosity, and holiday cheer. Thanks to this meaningful collaboration, parents in our community received gifts that helped make the season brighter and more joyful for their children. Many volunteers and donors gave their time, resources, and energy to make the day a success. From organizing and distributing toys to spreading warmth and kindness, every contribution played an important role.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who helped turn this holiday season into a memorable one for so many families. Together, we continue to strengthen our community and ensure that the holiday spirit reaches those who need it most.

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On Wednesday, November 18, we were thrilled to welcome the Los Angeles Rams to the pantry for an incredible day of service. Approximately 30 volunteers from the organization—including players Jared Verse, TY Hamilton, Josaiah Stewart, Brennen Presley, and Jarquez Hunter—joined our team to sort food and help pack well over 1,000 Thanksgiving, family staples, and senior program bags.

The experience began the moment clients pulled into the driveway, where they were greeted by Rampage, the beloved Rams mascot, and the Rams cheerleaders, who offered each person hot cocoa and donuts. Once clients reached the front of the line, players and staff loaded each car with either a turkey or a chicken (depending on household size), courtesy of the Rams, along with additional nutritious food and a bag of holiday items.

With the Rams’ help, we served 149 families through our drive-thru distribution, 134 low-income and disabled seniors through our home-delivery program, and 24 unhoused neighbors at our walk-up window.

We extend our deepest gratitude to every employee and player who volunteered. Word is spreading throughout the community that the Rams make a real difference. What a great day—thanks to the Rams!

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Viewpoint School supported us through their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. On Wednesday, November 26, 25 students and teachers visited the pantry for a day of service and generously donated 64 large boxes of food to help support our holiday distributions.

During their visit, students unloaded boxes and sorted the food. Going above and beyond, the students then came to the warehouse to sort a mountain of donations that we had received earlier in the week.

We are deeply grateful for Viewpoint School’s continued partnership and dedication. Their contribution of time, energy, and enthusiasm made a meaningful impact on our operations and the families we serve. Thank you for helping us make the holiday season brighter for our community!

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The West Valley Food Pantry brought together supporters, volunteers, and community leaders for its 3rd Annual Evening to End Hunger Gala on Thursday, October 9, at the Westlake Village Inn. Making the evening even more special the Pantry was also commemorating a remarkable milestone, the 40th anniversary of the organization's founding.

For four decades, the West Valley Food Pantry has stood as a beacon of hope in the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities, providing essential support to families facing food insecurity. This anniversary represents 40 years of unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one in our community goes hungry.

During the gala, the Pantry recognized two pillars of the organization's success:

Herm Fischer, Chairman of the West Valley Food Pantry Board and Chair of the Building Committee, was honored for his extraordinary visionary leadership spanning two decades. Fischer's dedication and foresight were instrumental in bringing the Pantry's new community center and warehouse to life. The state-of-the-art facility, which opened its doors in March, has dramatically expanded the organization's capacity to serve clients and meet the growing needs of our community.

The Supowitz Foundation was also celebrated for its vital partnership with the West Valley Food Pantry. Driven by deep compassion and a commitment to directing every dollar toward those in need, the Foundation has played a crucial role in expanding the Pantry's reach throughout the region. The organizations founder, Steve Supowitz, accepted the honor on the organizations behalf with an inspirational speech that highlighted the importance of giving back selflessly.

Through the generosity of attendees, sponsors the Los Angeles Rams, Parker Brown Inc., Smart & Final Foundation, The Fischer Family, The Jacobs Levinson Family, Tina and Jonathan Degann, The Marshall Wilson Family, The Lundquist-D’Alessio Family, and an anonymous donor who matched net earnings up to $50,000, the gala raised more than $100,000 to support the West Valley Food Pantry's mission.

The evening proved to be more than just a celebration, it was a powerful and inspiring demonstration of community and selfless giving.

As we look back on 40 years of service and forward to the possibilities ahead, one thing remains clear: together, we can create a future where hunger has no place in our community.

For more information about the West Valley Food Pantry or to learn how you can support their mission, visit www.westvalleyfoodpantry.org or contact admin@westvalleyfoodpantry.org.

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On September 27th, we had our Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon. This is one of our favorite events of the year where we get to honor our dedicated volunteers. Our volunteer workforce is over 150 people who are the heartbeat and backbone that keeps West Valley Food Pantry operating. We are grateful for all of our volunteers and enjoyed getting to celebrate them away from the bustle of a regular service day.

Margie Mueller was awarded the Shivley Award for her invaluable work as our volunteer treasurer. Her dedication guided us through the building and transition to our new building over the last few years. Lisa O'Connell, Scott Boroczi, Gil Bittan, and Michele Schulte were awarded our Volunteer of the Year Awards for their contributions that went above and beyond the norm. Karen Buesing was awarded the new Super Star Award and special recognition from the City of Los Angeles for her 20 years of continuous volunteering. Marriott Warner Center was also honored for the dedicated service that Maria Ali's team provides to assemble our dry goods bags.

To join our mission to end hunger, click on the link below.

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On Saturday, March 29, we celebrated the completion of our new facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at our new location. Elected officials, including Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, and Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), as well as Los Angeles Bishop The Right Reverend John Harvey Taylor and Price of Peace Episcopal Church’s Reverend Brian Tucker, joined our Director, Debbie Decker, and members of our community to commemorate the occasion.

While speaking to the crowd, Decker relayed that the new facility marks the beginning of a new chapter for the West Valley Food Pantry and the community we serve. She explained to the crowd of approximately 275 supporters that the facility will consolidate all our operations under one roof for the first time in our 40-year history, making us more efficient and accessible to the thousands of individuals and families who rely on our services.

The new facility, which sits just north of our previous location, was initially made possible by a $3.5 million appropriation in the 2021 California State budget, secured through the work of Jesse Gabriel and his staff. Additional funding came from foundations and the generosity of many supporting individuals. The vigorous efforts of Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield and his staff led to the completion of the nearly 7,000 sq. ft. building.

Founded in 1975 as a small food closet, the West Valley Food Pantry has grown and become a pillar of support for the San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas, working to end hunger in the region by providing nutritious food and essential supplies, including diapers, school supplies, hygiene products, and pet food to families in need. The pantry serves more than 800 households each week through its drive-through food pantry, distributing approximately 15,000 pounds of food, and operates a senior food delivery program that serves seniors in need each month. In addition, WVFP offers fresh and shelf-stable food for people experiencing homelessness with no access to cooking or refrigeration.

In 2024, the pantry served nearly 97,000 individuals, distributing approximately 900,000 pounds of food.

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Each holiday season, we partner with National Charity League to host an annual toy drive for the children of our registered clients. We provide toys for hundreds of client families who are unable to afford presents for their children.

On November 19th, The Pantry became the RAMS HOUSE for the day!!

The Los Angeles Rams organization arrived on-site with 11 players, 19 office Staff, cheerleaders, and the Rams mascot, Rampage in tow! Their presence made for an exciting day at the pantry! The enthusiastic team helped pack and give out turkeys and lots of holiday trimmings to allow families to our clients!

Thank you to the Los Angeles Rams for their on-going support and generosity. As our new neighbors, we truly appreciate your focus on making our shared community a priority.

GO RAMS!!!

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On Thursday, September 12th, the West Valley Food Pantry will host the second Evening to End Hunger for Hunger Action Month! This event is for all of our pantry supporters to come together and honor the incredible ways we have ended hunger together. This year, we will be honoring Los Angeles City Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, and National Charity League, two partners that have been persistent in their leadership and support of the West Valley Food Pantry. The evening will take place at Fogo de Chão, a world renowned and elegant Brazilian restaurant right in the heart of the West San Fernando Valley. Guests will enjoy Fogo de Chão's full Churrasco Experience with a market table, feijoanda bar, fire-roasted meats, traditional Brazilian sides, and delicious vegan and vegetarian options.

This May, the National Association of Letter Carriers will be collecting non-perishable food donations from households on their routes, and those donations will be making their way to food banks and pantries across the country. The West Valley Food Pantry will receive thousands of pounds of food and we need all the energetic volunteers we can get to help us sort through it all!

Bring your friends and family (ages 5 and up), and join us on Saturday, May 18th, 2024, from 10am - 1pm. Sign up here:

Pantry staff, volunteers, the Rt. Rev. John Harvey Taylor (Episcopal Bishop of Los Angeles), Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, Councilmember Bob Blumfield, County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath, the Rev. Canon Rand Reasoner, and supporters from the community celebrated the groundbreaking of our new home, the West Valley Food Pantry Community Center! 

In July of 2021, we received a generous grant from the office of State Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel for $3.5 million, allowing us to launch an exciting new project. At the celebration, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel announced that the Pantry would receive another $1.5 million from the state! This grant will greatly help securing the funds needed to begin Phase 2 of the building. We thank the state, the city, and the county representatives and agencies and all of the volunteers and contributors that have helped make this dream come true.

The West Valley Food Pantry and National Charity League hosted a holiday party providing toys and gifts for hundreds of families in the San Fernando Valley.