Attention: Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, houses of worship, families, neighborhoods, businesses and anyone else who would like to help feed the needy in Thousand Oaks.

Manna’s shelves are empty. Because children normally fed through school lunch programs are at home for the summer, the demand for food is higher. That’s taken its toll on the Conejo Valley food bank.

“We had 136 families come in last week, and our donations are down,” said Manna executive director Mike Mathews.

The charity has had to dip into cash donations to purchase food so that families coming to the food bank don’t leave empty-handed. They’ve been spending about $500 a week. That money is generally used only for items that need refrigeration, such as meat— items that aren’t usually donated.

The most essential foods needed are the basics, Mathews said.

Spaghetti sauce and pasta, macaroni and cheese, and cold cereal are always in demand. Also canned foods such as SpaghettiOs, tomato sauce, tuna and vegetables.

Disposable diapers, personal hygiene products and toilet paper are also helpful.

“We need everything,” he said.

Fresh fruit and produce from home gardens are also welcome.

Donations are received from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day except Sunday.

Clients can come on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Manna’s address is 3020 Crescent Way. To contact the food bank, call (805) 497-4959 or email info@mannconejo.org. For mailing donations, the address is P.O. Box 1114, Thousand Oaks, CA 91358. For more information, go to www.mannaconejo.org.