activities · 31
what they do
direct service · 24
- Community Fundraising Campaigns Food Donation Matching & ConversionRuns month-long community fundraising campaigns aimed at providing one million meals, with donations converting to 30 meals per $10 or 3 meals per $1.
- Community Fundraising Campaigns Food Donation Matching & ConversionConducts month-long community fundraising campaigns to provide meals for food-insecure populations, converting donations into meals (e.g., $1 into 3 meals or $10 into 30 meals).
- Community fundraising campaigns Food Donation Matching & ConversionRuns time-limited community fundraising campaigns, such as a month-long effort to provide one million meals, with donations converting to 30 meals per $10 or three meals per dollar.
- Community fundraising campaigns Food Donation Matching & ConversionRuns month-long community fundraising campaigns that convert $1 in donations into 3 meals (or 30 meals per $10 donated) to support the provision of one million meals for food-insecure populations in Ventura County.
- Community fundraising campaigns for meal provision Food Donation Matching & ConversionRuns community fundraising campaigns that convert donations into meals—such as providing 30 meals per $10 donated or converting $1 into 3 meals—with the goal of providing up to one million meals during month-long campaigns.
- Emergency Food Procurement Emergency Supply DistributionPurchases food, such as $1 million worth, to respond to increased demand, including that caused by CalFresh delays.
- Emergency Food Response Emergency Supply DistributionPurchased $1 million worth of food to respond to increased demand caused by CalFresh benefit delays, supplementing regular food distribution efforts.
- Emergency food response Emergency Supply DistributionPurchased $1 million worth of food to respond to increased demand caused by CalFresh delays and conducts large-scale food distributions, including weekly events at College Park in Oxnard.
- Emergency food response and large-scale food packing Emergency Supply DistributionResponds to emergencies and supply disruptions by purchasing large quantities of food (e.g., $1 million in food due to CalFresh delays) and organizing large-scale food packing events with corporate partners, such as packing thousands of USDA food bags and specialized kits.
- Emergency food response and procurement Emergency Supply DistributionPurchased $1 million worth of food to respond to increased demand due to CalFresh benefit delays, supplementing regular distribution efforts.
- Food Distribution through Partner Agencies Food Distribution Network ManagementSupports food drives and strengthens a network of over 174 to 200 agency partners to increase food availability year-round for families in need across Ventura County.
- Food Distribution through Partner Network Food Distribution Network ManagementDistributes nearly 20 million pounds of food annually, providing over 16 million meals to over 250,000 people in Ventura County through a network of approximately 174–200 agency partners, including weekly large-scale distributions at locations like College Park in Oxnard.
- Food Distribution to Individuals and Families Food Distribution Network ManagementDistributes nearly 20 million pounds of food annually, providing over 16 million meals to more than 250,000 people in Ventura County through various programs, including weekly large-scale events and partnerships.
- Food distribution through partner network Food Distribution Network ManagementDistributes nearly 20 million pounds of food annually, providing over 16 million meals to over 250,000 people in Ventura County through a network of more than 174 agency partners, including weekly large-scale distributions at locations such as College Park in Oxnard.
- Food distribution through partner network Food Distribution Network ManagementDistributes nearly 20 million pounds of food annually, providing over 16 million meals to over 250,000 people in Ventura County through a network of approximately 200–174 agency partners. Includes weekly large-scale distributions and responses to increased demand, such as from CalFresh delays.
- Food distribution through partner network Food Distribution Network ManagementDistributes nearly 20 million pounds of food annually, providing over 16 million meals to over 250,000 people in Ventura County through a network of 200+ agency partners.
- Food safety and logistics operations Standardized Reporting for Partner AgenciesImplements food safety protocols, including the use of standardized forms for recording cold box temperatures, revised in 2025, to ensure safe food handling and distribution.
- Gleaning Operations Fresh Produce Rescue & DistributionConducts gleaning operations to harvest unused crops in Ventura County for distribution.
- Gleaning Operations Fresh Produce Rescue & DistributionConducts gleaning operations to harvest unused crops from farms in Ventura County, redirecting surplus produce to individuals in need.
- Gleaning operations Fresh Produce Rescue & DistributionConducts gleaning operations to harvest unused crops from farms in Ventura County, redirecting surplus produce to food-insecure populations.
- Gleaning operations for food recovery Fresh Produce Rescue & DistributionConducts gleaning operations to harvest unused crops from farms in Ventura County, redirecting surplus produce to individuals in need.
- Gleaning operations for fresh food recovery Fresh Produce Rescue & DistributionConducts gleaning operations to harvest unused crops from farms in Ventura County, increasing access to fresh produce for food-insecure populations.
- Special Food Packing Events Food Packing and Distribution Volunteer ProgramsOrganizes food packing events in partnership with corporate and community groups, such as a collaboration with The Trade Desk to pack 2,640 bags of USDA shelf-stable food, 1,200 Kitchen-Free Bags, and 480 Senior Kits.
- Special food packing and distribution events Performance-Triggered Food Donation ProgramsOrganizes large-scale food packing and distribution events in partnership with corporate collaborators, such as The Trade Desk, to distribute thousands of USDA shelf-stable food bags, Kitchen-Free Bags, and Senior Kits.
capacity building · 7
- Board governance and capacity support Board Governance & Member VotingEngages board members in strategic and financial oversight, fundraising, and networking, with an average time commitment of three hours per month to support organizational capacity.
- Board governance and organizational capacity supportEngages board members in strategic and financial guidance, fundraising, and networking, with a time commitment of approximately three hours per month to support organizational operations.
- Partner Agency Capacity Building and Oversight Standardized Reporting for Partner AgenciesOffers an application process for organizations to become agency partners and requires them to submit monthly reports using standardized forms, including USDA E-Signature reports and cold box temperature records, to ensure compliance and effective food distribution.
- Partner Agency Management and Support Standardized Reporting for Partner AgenciesManages a network of partner agencies by offering an application process for new partners and requiring monthly reporting using standardized forms, including a USDA E-Signature Monthly Report Cover Page and cold box temperature logs, updated in 2025.
- Partner agency management and capacity building Standardized Reporting for Partner AgenciesManages a network of partner agencies by offering an application process for new partners and requiring monthly reporting using standardized forms updated in 2025.
- Partner agency onboarding and management Standardized Reporting for Partner AgenciesManages a network of partner agencies by offering an application process for new partners and requiring monthly reporting using standardized forms, updated in 2025.
- Partner agency onboarding and management Standardized Reporting for Partner AgenciesManages a network of partner agencies by offering an application process for new partners and requiring monthly reporting using standardized forms, including updated USDA E-Signature cover pages and cold box temperature logs, to ensure accountability and food safety.
strategies · 35
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Active working board for strategic guidance and fundraising working_boardThe organization utilizes a working board model where members provide strategic and financial guidance, actively engaging in fundraising and networking to support hunger relief efforts.
- Community-Wide Fundraising and Amplification peer-to-peer_fundraisingThe organization generates financial support through community-wide peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns and amplifies the impact of individual donations by leveraging corporate matching gifts.
- Community-powered fundraising peer-to-peer_fundraisingGenerates financial support through peer-to-peer campaigns and leverages corporate matching gifts to amplify individual donations and broaden community investment.
- Community-powered fundraising and donation amplification matching_gift_amplificationUses peer-to-peer campaigns and corporate matching gifts to broaden donor participation and increase the financial impact of contributions, deepening community investment in solving hunger.
- Community-wide fundraising and amplification community_fundraisingThe organization engages the community through peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns and amplifies individual donations through corporate matching gifts to generate broad support for its hunger relief efforts.
- Community-wide fundraising and amplification community_fundraisingThe organization engages the community through peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns and amplifies the impact of individual donations by leveraging corporate matching gifts.
- Crisis Response and Surge Planning crisis_response_surge_planDuring crises, the organization activates a surge response plan that involves expanding operations, extending hours, implementing mobile distributions, and coordinating with government and partner agencies to meet increased demand.
- Crisis response and expanded distribution crisis_responseThe organization has a surge response plan to expand operations, extend hours, and coordinate with partners during crises to ensure continued food distribution to those in need.
- Crisis response and surge planning crisis_responseDuring crises, the organization activates a surge response plan that includes expanded operations, extended hours, mobile distributions, and coordination with government and partner agencies to meet increased demand.
- Crisis-responsive distribution surge crisis_response_surge_planActivates an expanded operational plan during emergencies, including mobile distributions, extended hours, and coordination with government and partners to meet increased demand.
- Crisis-responsive distribution surge model crisis_response_surge_planDuring emergencies, the organization activates a coordinated surge plan involving extended hours, mobile pantries, and collaboration with government and partners to rapidly scale food access when demand spikes.
- Data-Driven Distribution and Equitable Access data_driven_distributionThe organization utilizes data management tools like Pantry Trak for client check-in and tracking food distribution, ensuring efficient operations and requiring mandatory civil rights training for agency managers to guarantee equitable food distribution.
- Data-driven distribution and management data_driven_distributionThe organization utilizes technology like Pantry Trak to manage client data, track food distribution activities, and ensure efficient and accountable operations.
- Data-driven distribution and management data_driven_distributionThe organization utilizes technology for client check-in, data management, and tracking food distribution activities to ensure efficient and accountable operations.
- Data-informed and technology-enabled distribution data_driven_distributionThe organization uses systems like Pantry Trak and Meal Connect to manage client services, track distribution, and coordinate food rescue efforts, ensuring efficient, responsive, and accountable operations.
- Data-informed distribution network data_driven_distributionUses data systems like Pantry Trak to manage client check-ins and track distribution activities, enabling efficient, accountable, and scalable operations across direct and partner-based programs.
- Efficient Resource Leverage for Food Acquisition and Distribution resource_leverageThe organization maximizes its impact by efficiently leveraging donated funds, food, and volunteer time. This includes converting $1 into multiple meals through strategic purchasing and partnerships, and relying on volunteers as a core operational component to address hunger.
- Equity assurance through compliance and training civil_rights_complianceEnsures equitable access to food by requiring agency managers to complete civil rights training, embedding compliance into distribution practices.
- Equity assurance through policy and training civil_rights_complianceMandates civil rights compliance training for agency managers to ensure equitable access and fair treatment in food distribution, institutionalizing equity in operations.
- Hybrid Distribution Model direct_and_partner_distributionThe organization employs a hybrid approach to food distribution, utilizing both direct programs and a network of partner agencies to reach beneficiaries effectively.
- Hybrid direct and partner distribution network hybrid_distribution_modelThe organization distributes food through a combination of its own direct programs and a network of partner agencies to maximize reach and impact within the community.
- Hybrid distribution model hybrid_distributionThe organization employs a combination of direct programs and a network of partner agencies to distribute food, ensuring broad reach and accessibility.
- Leverage resources and partnerships to maximize meal output resource_leverageBy combining donated funds, food, and volunteer labor with strategic purchasing power and partnerships, the organization maximizes the number of meals distributed—such as converting $1 into 3 meals—ensuring efficient and scalable impact.
- Leveraging diverse resources for efficient food acquisition and distribution resource_leverageThe organization maximizes its impact by strategically leveraging donated funds, food, and volunteer time. This includes converting financial donations into multiple meals through purchasing power, rescuing surplus food, and acquiring food from various sources to ensure efficient and widespread distribution.
- Multi-Channel Food Acquisition and Rescue multi_source_food_acquisitionThe organization acquires food through a diverse set of channels, including USDA donations, community food drives, supermarket surplus, farm donations, and bulk purchases, and actively facilitates food rescue through programs like Meal Connect to prevent waste and increase supply.
- Multi-channel food acquisition and distribution network multi_source_food_acquisitionFood is sourced through a diversified mix of USDA donations, retail surplus, farm donations, community drives, and bulk purchasing, then distributed via both direct programs and a network of partner agencies to expand reach and responsiveness.
- Multi-channel food acquisition and rescue food_rescueSecures food through diverse sources including USDA donations, retail surplus, farm donations, and community drives, while actively rescuing perishable food via retail pick-ups to reduce waste and increase supply.
- Resource leverage for meal multiplication resource_leverageMaximizes meal output by leveraging donated funds, food, and volunteer time through efficient operations and purchasing power, converting $1 into 3 meals via strategic partnerships and bulk acquisition.
- Volunteer-Driven Operations and Community Engagement volunteer-driven_operationsThe organization's operational model is heavily reliant on volunteers, not just for labor but also as a means of community building and fostering social connection, which is central to addressing hunger.
- Volunteer-driven operational model volunteer-driven_operationsThe organization relies on volunteers as a core component of its operations, fostering community engagement and social connection to address hunger effectively.
- Volunteer-driven operational model volunteer-driven operationsRelies on volunteers as a core component of operations, leveraging community engagement and social connection to sustain and scale food distribution efforts.
- Volunteer-driven operational model with community engagement volunteer-driven operationsThe organization relies on volunteers not only to reduce operational costs but also to strengthen community ties, using volunteer engagement as a mechanism for both service delivery and social connection.
- Working Board Model for Strategic and Financial Guidance working_boardThe organization operates with a working board whose members provide strategic and financial guidance while actively engaging in fundraising and networking to support hunger relief efforts.
- Working board for strategic guidance and active engagement working_boardThe organization utilizes a working board model where members provide strategic and financial guidance while actively participating in fundraising and networking to support hunger relief initiatives.
- Working board governance model working_boardEngages board members not only in strategic oversight but also in active fundraising, networking, and financial support to strengthen organizational capacity.
named programs · 10
what they call their work
CAN-Tree Drive
Annual community event focused on collecting food donations.
CAN-tree Drive
Annual community food drive event collecting canned goods and other non-perishable food items
College Park Drive-Thru Food Distribution
Weekly food distribution in Oxnard providing groceries to food-insecure individuals and families in Ventura County
College Park drive-thru food distribution
Direct food distribution service in Oxnard, CA, providing food to individuals like seniors.
Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP)
Provides emergency food assistance, likely through partner agencies, with specific sign-in and income guidelines.
Food For Thought Breakfast & Tour
Educational event offering a facility tour and breakfast to engage community members and raise awareness about food insecurity
Gleaning
Program that organizes volunteers to pick surplus fruit from local farms and orchards for distribution.
Gleaning Program
Volunteer-based fruit harvesting from private and public citrus trees to distribute fresh produce
March to a Million Meals
Annual month-long community fundraising challenge to provide one million meals for Ventura County residents facing food insecurity
Meal Connect – Agency Retail Donation Pick-up
Program facilitating the pick-up of retail food donations by partner agencies.
relationships · 9
who they work with
- 174+ agency partners Partner — Network of partner agencies receiving food distribution support from Food Share.
- California Association of Food Banks Network — Member of the California Association of Food Banks.
- California National Guard Partner — Coordinating with the California National Guard to scale food distribution and operational support during the government shutdown.
- Feeding America Network — Member of the Feeding America network, accessing liability protection and food donation resources.
- Feeding America Network — Member of the Feeding America network, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization.
- Kirby Subaru Partner — Provided a $20,000 matching gift to amplify donations during the March to a Million Meals campaign.
- The Trade Desk Partner — Corporate partner that organized a volunteer event to pack food bags and kits.
- US Department of Agriculture Government — Receives shelf-stable pantry items from the USDA.
- USDA Government — Complies with USDA reporting and civil rights requirements for food distribution programs.