At SEEAG, giving back to our community is at the heart of everything we do. This month, our team had the wonderful opportunity to spend a day volunteering with Food Share Ventura County, an organization dedicated to fighting hunger and ensuring that local families have access to fresh, nutritious food.

When we arrived at Food Share’s Oxnard facility, we were warmly welcomed by their incredible staff and volunteers. After a brief orientation, we learned more about Food Share’s impact across Ventura County — providing millions of pounds of food each year through pantries, mobile distributions, and community programs. Hearing about their work reminded us just how vital partnerships and collaboration are in supporting food security in our region.

Then it was time to get to work! Gloves ready, our team joined the packing line and dove right in. Together, we sorted and packed strawberries, tomatoes, and a variety of other fresh produce into boxes that would soon make their way to local families. There was laughter, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose as each box came together.

By the end of the day, we had packed an incredible 648 boxes — totaling over 7,300 pounds of fresh produce! Knowing that every box would bring healthy food to someone’s table made the experience even more meaningful.

After our packing session, we were treated to a tour of Food Share’s warehouse and distribution center. We learned how they receive donations from local farms, grocery stores, and community partners, and how their staff coordinates the delivery of food across Ventura County. We also discovered the variety of resources they offer — from nutrition programs to emergency food boxes — all designed to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry.

This volunteer day was not only a chance to give back but also a reminder of how interconnected our work at SEEAG is with organizations like Food Share. Just as Food Share bridges the gap between food resources and families, SEEAG connects students and the community to the farms and people who grow the food we eat. Both missions are rooted in education, access, and care for our community.

We left Food Share inspired, energized, and deeply grateful for the work being done every day to fight hunger right here in our county.

A heartfelt thank-you to Food Share Ventura County for welcoming our team and for your unwavering commitment to supporting local families. We look forward to returning and continuing to build a stronger, healthier Ventura County together.