The Military Outreach Ministry, better known as MOM, has generously provided assistance to military service members, E-5 and below, for more than 20 years. Young military families are able to receive free groceries and furniture, from donations provided by individuals and business across the nation.

“It is great to see the dedication and love given to this program,” said Fay O’Neill Bell, chief executive officer, executive director, Military Outreach Ministry, Camp Pendleton. “It sparks the motivation to go forward and passing this program on to other bases.”

Since being integrated, as a non-profit organization, MOM has discarded the old method of standing in line to receive food at the warehouse and has replaced it with an innovative Mobile Food Pantry. This upgrade can provide more than 2,000 families a month with groceries. The state of the art truck holds more than 1,000 boxes of food items and fresh produce that can be delivered straight to families in base housing.

 “Our programs were created to show gratitude to the families we serve. Standing in long lines with crying babies, in all kinds of weather with limited parking did not properly portray our mission,” Bell said. “The food pantry truck has alleviated all those issues and is a model to other bases.” 

By serving an average of 400 families each month, not including the 3,000 served during holiday programs, MOM has proved itself to be one of the most beneficial programs Camp Pendleton has to offer.

“MOMs Warehouse is great, they really help me out and my family by making sure we have everything we need,” said Samantha R. Atkinson, military spouse.

For more information about the program or to donate, visit the MOM Web site at www.momcp.org.