The CSSMV food pantry is the busiest food-distribution pantry in the Greater Dayton area. The pantry makes available emergency food assistance to those who reside in poor urban neighborhoods in west and northwest Dayton. Annually, the pantry assists over 13,000 adults and children. Major client groups include working poor, seniors, transitional welfare recipients, single high-needs individuals, and the temporarily unemployed. Forty percent who benefit from the food program are children. Last year, the CSSMV food pantry provided 359,820 meals to 13,024 people. The pantry is located in the main office building at 922 West Riverview Avenue in Dayton, Ohio. Pantry hours are 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Tuesday through Friday, and Mondays, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. The Food Pantry is closed the first Friday of each month.

In addition to food distribution, CSSMV offers the services of a professional case manager that assists clients by providing information and linkages to other necessary social service programs. By providing information and helping to address the continuum of needs, CSSMV encourages clients to make the necessary changes which lead to greater self-sufficiency. Last year, the case manager made referrals for over 1,400 families to community programs.

The food pantry is staffed by 35 dedicated volunteers. By combining the expertise of professionals with the enthusiasm and compassion of trained volunteers, CSSMV is able to more efficiently serve the neediest families and children in our community. In 2004, volunteers contributed 2,792 hours of service. New volunteers are urgently needed.

The pantry is supported by private foundations, corporate giving programs, and individual donors who wish to pledge their support to help the hungry. Please consider making a gift today. Your contribution will make a difference in the lives of thousands of people right here in your community. To donate now, click here.