joy in giving

Vern Elder Ryan & Arlene Hyde

 
For  30+ years, God’s Army has responded to the hunger crisis in various  Counties and Countries by providing food, clothing and shelter to people  in need. The concept came to founder Vern Elder Ryan after his  many years of service with the Los Angeles and Long Beach Food Banks  respectively. During this time, he witnessed first hand the  need in surrounding communities like Watts, Carson, Riverside, Long  Beach and Los Angeles. His passion to help others grew and the concept  of a food pantry was born under South Bay Food Pantry in 2016. Vern  Elder Ryan and others were determined to make sure that families would  never have to face hunger. 

• 1977 - Started as VJI.
• 1986 - God's Army was created under VJI Church as a food ministry outreach in Los Angeles CA.
• 1987 - God's Army band was created to visit youth detention camps in  Los  Angeles County, introduce services to various communities and passed out  free food in the local parks and low income neighborhood.
• 2000 - Moved into our present location in Torrance.
• 2008 - God's Army created partnership with other organizations. 
• 2013 - The Post Office donates  food to God's Army from their annual food drive.
• 2014 -  GA United Services was created due to the expanding needs.
• 2016 - GA United Services (dba) Southern California South Bay Food Bank and Pantry.