Food Share, Ventura County’s food bank, will launch its inaugural “Faith for Food Share” program, a countywide collection plate offering for the hungry by congregations of all faiths, from Fri. to Sun., Sept. 16 to 18.

Among the area churches already registered to participate is First Church of Christ Scientist, Simi Valley.

The program’s purpose is to raise funds to feed more people in Ventura County, increase public awareness of how to receive Food Share’s hunger services, and highlight the faith community’s support of ending local hunger.

Food Share was founded by volunteers 27 years ago in Ventura, inspired by scripture and the biblical emphasis on the importance of feeding the hungry, and now provides food to more than 100,000 people countywide each year.

The Ventura County Board of Supervisors has endorsed the event by officially proclaiming Sept. 16 to 18 as “Faith for Food Share Weekend.” All churches, synagogues and houses of worship of all denominations are invited to participate.

For additional information on supporting the event or contributing to Food Share’s mission, please call (805) 983-7100 or visit www.foodshare.com.