Jewel Pedi Named Humanitarian of the Year.

Award Presented by
P.W. Gillibrand Company, Inc.

Jewel cares deeply about her community and heard the calling in Leviticus 19:9 & 10 asking the farmers to leave the corners of their fields for the poor and hungry.  That was her spark.  From that day forward, she and a small group of civic minded people set out to do just that.  Twenty-nine years ago, Jewel started in her two car garage.  She worked alongside farmers, gleaning the local fields, nourishing the bodies of those in need.  This effort quickly grew, and FOOD Share was born.  Now her dream has turned into an amazing countywide organization working in partnership with nearly two hundred other non-profits towards one mission: feeding the hungry of Ventura County.

From its humble beginnings FOOD Share has grown and had a significant impact on the community, providing food to nearly 100,000 annually and collecting and distributing over 10 million pounds of food to our neighbors in need.

At 79 she works every day and is a constant inspiration to all around her.  Over the years she has provided a place for thousands of volunteers to join in her generous work for the betterment of our community.

This small by mighty lady encourages everyone she meets to join in her fight to make this earth a better place to live.

Jewel is truly a woman of compassion and feels all in need are her brothers and sisters.  She has made a dedicated effort to be at the ready for any emergency that might impact the lives of those in her community, standing ready to step up in a time of crisis.  Whether it is the Northridge Earthquake, the Southern California wildfires, the La Conchita landslide, or Hurricane disasters -- Jewel is there, ready to serve with food, supplies, encouragement, and most of all her open heart. 

Jewel Pedi is truly a "jewel" to our community.