Commissary Is Very Necessary (CIVN) is a 501c3 community development nonprofit organization focused on addressing food insecurity, environmental inequities, educational gaps, and economic instability in underserved communities. CIVN implements integrated, place-based programs that provide direct services while building long-term community capacity and resilience.
Our work centers on improving access to nutritious food, high-quality educational experiences, environmental sustainability practices, and organizational capacity for community-serving entities.
What We Do
Nature STEAM Learning Academy (Summer Camp)
CIVN operates the Nature STEAM Learning Academy, an annual summer enrichment program serving 75–100 youth each year. The program integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics with environmental education, problem-solving, and experiential learning. Youth participants engage in hands-on activities focused on sustainability, food systems, and community stewardship, supporting academic enrichment and social development.
Monthly Food Distributions
CIVN conducts monthly food distributions serving more than 200 families each month, increasing access to nutritious food for households experiencing food insecurity. These distributions address immediate nutritional needs while strengthening trust and engagement within the communities we serve.
Community Gardens & Composting Initiatives
CIVN designs, installs, and supports community gardens in neighborhoods, community centers, churches, and schools. Composting is a central component of these initiatives, reducing food waste, diverting materials from landfills, improving soil health, and supporting local food production. These projects also serve as platforms for environmental education, workforce skill development, and community engagement.
Grant Writing Education & Services
CIVN offers quarterly free grant writing workshops to build funding literacy and capacity among nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and community leaders. In addition, CIVN provides professional grant writing services, supporting organizations in securing public and private funding to sustain and expand community-based programs.
Case Management & Community Support
CIVN provides case management services that connect individuals and families to essential resources, including food assistance, housing support, workforce development, and community-based services. This approach reduces barriers to access and supports household stability.
Why It Matters
CIVN addresses systemic inequities by combining direct service delivery with education, environmental sustainability, and organizational capacity building. Our integrated approach supports both immediate needs and long-term outcomes, contributing to improved food security, educational engagement, environmental health, and economic opportunity.
All CIVN programs are guided by the belief that every child deserves a seat at the table and that communities thrive when they have equitable access to resources and decision-making power.
