JFSLA and Elected Leaders Hold Ribbon-Cutting for Revitalized SOVA Food Pantry

On September 20, 2024, Jewish Family Service LA (JFSLA) hosted the grand reopening of its SOVA Valley Food Pantry in Van Nuys. To effectively combat growing food insecurity among vulnerable Angelenos, the SOVA facility underwent significant capital improvements and upgrades prior to the ribbon cutting.

“SOVA is one of Jewish Family Service LA’s core programs – it’s always been more than a food pantry,” said Eli Veitzer, President and CEO of Jewish Family Service LA. “The goal is to increase access to needed services, to reduce barriers for individuals and families to get the help they need.”

The upgraded facility now includes advanced technology, improvements to the structure and its electrical system, air conditioning and heat capabilities in the main pantry area, a new roof, expanded refrigerator and freezer units, a client choice model to empower clients in choosing their own groceries. Expanded and streamlined access to social worker support is also part of the upgrade. The facility’s structural upgrades will increase efficiency, and the new features will help preserve the dignity of the thousands of clients JFSLA serves.

“The grand reopening of the SOVA Valley Food Pantry is a major milestone worth celebrating,” said Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), Chair of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus. “This new facility will benefit thousands of families of every faith and background from across the San Fernando Valley. I am deeply grateful to the amazing team at JFSLA for their commitment to serving our most vulnerable and to former Senator Hertzberg and former Assemblymember Nazarian for leading the effort to secure state funding to make today possible.”

“I want to thank the California taxpayers,” said former State Senator Bob Hertzberg.  “It is their money, and I would suggest that on a dollar-for-dollar basis, given the contributions of so many volunteers, the taxpayers are getting one heck of a deal. As politicians, we’re just agents for the people’s money, and this project shows the value of government and community working together.”

Every year, JFSLA’s SOVA Community Food and Resource Program distributes millions of food items to tens of thousands of people. Last year alone, SOVA provided 3 million pounds of nutritious groceries to 25,000 people. The SOVA Valley pantry alone serves up to 350 people daily.

Following the remarks and the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees took self-guided tours of the updated facility. Guests had the opportunity to observe firsthand how the site upgrades improve the pantry experience.

In addition to the revitalized Van Nuys location, JFSLA’s SOVA Community Food and Resource Program operates another pantry in Pico-Robertson and provides extensive outreach across Los Angeles. Through partnerships with organizations like New Economics for Women and Watts Labor Community Action Committee, SOVA runs Pop-Up Pantries at multiple sites, including a senior house site in West Hollywood, and in Plummer Park to feed the homeless. JFSLA also provides food for two student-run pantries at California State University, Northridge (CSUN).

“Thank you for taking a small location and turning it into a welcoming center that meets each need with dignity,” said Former Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian. “As someone who fled my home country with my family, I know the importance of having a place like this when you’re just trying to survive. The work being done here ensures that all of our neighbors, no matter their background, are supported.”

The reopening of the SOVA Valley Food Pantry is part of JFSLA’s broader commitment to combating food insecurity and providing comprehensive support services across the city. With these improvements, the pantry is poised to better serve the thousands of Angelenos who rely on JFSLA for nutritious groceries, personal care items, and access to additional community resources.