Donate To Santa Monica's Virginia Avenue Park Holiday Food Pantry

SANTA MONICA, CA — Santa Monica is working to raise $30,000 to support Santa Monica families experiencing food insecurity with the Holiday Food Pantry at Virginia Avenue Park, 2200 Virginia Ave.

Every $30 donation feeds a family of four for one week. A $100 donation supports a family for the entire month of December through the pantry.

To learn more and donate to the Holiday Food Pantry at Virginia Avenue Park, visit the website and select "Holiday Food Pantry."

"In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the city of Santa Monica and Virginia Avenue Park has partnered with the Westside Food Bank to offer pre-assembled food bags, one per household to low-income Santa Monica residents and/or families with children enrolled in SMMUSD schools," according to the organizers.

Volunteers are still needed to help serve the more than 150 households and more than 300 boxes distributed each week. And, the group especially needs help on Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Food pantry bags are distributed by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 424-410-1354 or 310-458-8688 anytime Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pick-up hours are by appointment only.

Anyone interested in volunteering can email Liz Scharetg at liz.scharetg@smgov.net.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 50 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.