Van Nuys : Food Charity Stocking Up After Funding Cut

Loaves and Fishes, a Catholic Charities food pantry in Van Nuys, has put out a call for extra donations of canned food, clothing and blankets to make up for a severe cut in federal help this year.

“They’ve given us a third of what we got all of last year,” said Patrick Kinek, a case manager for Loaves and Fishes for seven years. The agency, which serves the homeless and poor, learned the support was being cut in January.

The cuts are part of a continuing trend in diminishing federal help for charities, Kinek said. Loaves and Fishes was given only about $8,000 in federal help compared with $30,000 last year, he said.

The shelves are not empty yet, but it is enough to worry them. “It’s not as bare right now as it’s going to be,” Kinek said.

Canned goods are the highest priority, although clothes and blankets also are needed because winter shelters are closing while the weather remains cold and wet.

Loaves and Fishes is open three days a week and helps between 80 to 120 families each day.

The agency--open for donations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday--is at 14525 Delano St. No. 102, Van Nuys. For information, call (818) 997-0943.