Relieving hunger for over 60 years!

About Valley Community Pantry

The Valley Community Pantry has been a major resource for those in need in the San Jacinto Valley and surrounding cities since 1965. Our organization receives more percentage of inquires through the “211” County Resource Agency than other agencies in Riverside County. We are run by an Executive Director/CEO, a team of dedicated and hardworking volunteers (Volunteers are a major component to the success of our organization), and we have a Board of Directors and a Board of Governance. We have had 4 Executive Directors and many dedicated and caring people from our community who have served on the Board of Directors and volunteered throughout our history. Currently we average over 1500 volunteer hours every month.

History of the Community Pantry

The Valley Community Pantry was established in 1965 by Reverend Roy Schippling of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd located here in Hemet. As its mission grew and the needs of the local community increased, the Valley Community Pantry became an important resource in this valley and to the County of Riverside. In 1992, the Valley Community Pantry received its certification as a non-profit 501(c)3, providing charitable tax deductions to our supporters. Some research was done by Mike Schippling, the son of Reverend Roy Shippling, and his research showed that the Valley Community Pantry may have been the first or second food pantry in Riverside and possibly Southern California.

Some Statistics About Those We Serve

(AS OF SEPTEMBER 2025)

  • 13,710 families registered – 41,117 people almost an average of 3 people per family, averaging 74 new families per month
  • Average annual income for our registered families is $15,680.00
  • Average Federal Annual Poverty Level for a family of 3 is $26,410.00
  • Services we provide are: Emergency Food, Utility and Rental Assistance.
  • We serve 32 registered Homeless Veterans at our pantry
  • We serve 386 registered Inactive Veterans at our pantry
  • We serve 183 registered Disabled Veterans at our pantry
  • We serve 291 registered Disabled families at our pantry
  • We serve 2,989 registered Seniors who live on social security income only
  • We serve 5,163 seniors 60 years and older
  • We deliver twice a month to 128 Homebound/Disabled Seniors who have no family or a means to get to our pantry
  • We serve 12,091 Children under the age of 18 years old
  • We serve 355 Single Mom families at our pantry
  • The break down of age groups for our pantry:
    • 38% of our clients are children under the age of 18 years old
    • 36% of our clients are between the ages of 18 and 54 years old
    • 26% of our clients are between the ages of 55 and 93 years old
  • Our pantry clients has an average income of $15,680.00 per year. The National Poverty Level annual income for a family of 3 is $26,410.00. This means that 42% of our clients are living below the National Poverty average.

  • Extremely Low Income ($0.00 to $23,500.00)

    This is 87% of our clients/families fall under this income level

  • Very Low Income ($23,501.00 to $39,200.00)

    This is 18% of our clients/families fall under this income level

  • Low Income ($39,201.00 to $62,650.00)

    This is 6% of our clients/families fall under this income level

  • Moderate Income ($62,250.00 and higher)

    This is 1% of our clients/families fall under this income level

Community Support

Throughout the year, the Valley Community Pantry works with many local stores, businesses, other resource agencies, service organizations, churches and schools to sponsor events to collect staple food and raise funds that are vital to our operation. We receive over 750,000 pounds of donated food from our community every year. During the holiday season the needs of our community are greatest. If you would like to schedule a food drive or fund-raising event, please contact us.

A list of staple foods which are always in need

  • Macaroni & Cheese
  • Peanut Butter
  • Top Ramen / Cup of Noodle
  • Cereal (All kinds and sizes)
  • Canned Fruit (All kinds and sizes)
  • Dry Pinto Beans (1lb bags)
  • Canned Soups
  • Canned Vegetables
  • Pork & Beans
  • Refried Beans
  • Instant Oatmeal (Individual Packages)
  • Dry Rice (1lb bags)
  • Dry Pasta Noodles
  • Spaghetti Sauce (All Sizes)
  • Tuna or Chicken – Cans
  • Pancake Mix / Syrup
  • Grocery Store T-Shirt Bags
  • Toilet Paper

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