Living in a community that is prodominantly low-income and farm workers, it is important to me that the community gets all the help they need. 

According to Feedingamerica.org, 37 million people experienced food insecurity and the number of people who experience food insecurity is only expected to grow due to the upsurge of COVID-19. 

COVID-19 is more likely to impact those with underlying medical conditions and the elderly. However we are seeing that there is an increase in cases for farmworkers.  Because farmwork and most low-income jobs cannot be performed at home, they are forced to risk their health everyday with no protection even though they are essential workers.

Both of my parents are undocumented farmworkers. They do not qualify for unemployment nor did they qualify for a stimulus check. Because of this situation, my parents’ only source of income is their work. During the month of April, my mom was laid off temporarily for a month, and even after she returned to work, she was working less hours than she did before. 

Food insecurities are common for marginalized communities. Since the uprising of COVID back in March, there have been food distributions in Delano. However, many families are unaware of these distributions.

The information is not always accessible to families who do not have access to the internet to get informed on food distributions and where they are located. 

Thankfully, I am on social media regularly, which is why I am able to see where some food distributions are; however, even with being on social media, there are many food distribution operations that I have not been aware of until recently.

I am a recent high school graduate from Cesar E. Chavez High  in Delano. Earlier this month, I picked up my diploma from my school, where I saw two trucks that were unloading boxes, which I assumed were food. 

There was a long line of cars waiting for the food distribution to start. After picking up my diploma, I rushed home to inform my mom that there might be a food distribution happening. She quickly went to the school and informed her co-workers about it. 

I had not known of this food distribution nor the organization operating it. It really made me realize that even people who do have access to the internet may not have access to these distributions.

It is less likely for families with no internet to have access to food. However, even though I have access to the internet, I still come from a low-income family and definitely benefit from this food.  

This concerns me because so many families in need of food do not have access to these operations or may not know who to call in order to get the information. 

I want to be able to inform the community whether it be online or by word of mouth to let our marginalized communities know that there is help. 

If I hadn’t gone to school the day of the food distribution, I would have never known about it. It would be great if organizations distributed food partnered with schools or local businesses in the community to spread the word of the food distributions.

It is important to me that I provide food distribution locations and times so families in need  have access to food. 

The food distributions in Delano are:

• Sequoia Cristion Academy located on 1213 12th Ave.

Operation hours: Every 4th Tuesday from 9:00am-11:00am

•  Delano Life House located on 1725 11th Ave. 

Operation hours: Every Friday from 9:00am-11:00am

• Delano Memorial Park located on 100 South Lexington St.

Operation Hours: Every 4th Tuesday of the month from 9:00am-1:00pm

• Farmers Market at Cesar E. Chavez High School located on 800 Browning Rd.

Final food distribution on August 6 from 10:00am-1:00pm

• Valley Faith Fellowship located on 15570 County Line Rd.

Operation hours: Every 3rd Tuesday from 6:00pm-7:00pm

These are some Food distribution operations here in Delano. If you would like to receive information about where food distributions are in your area in Kern County, call the number 211 or visit www.capk.org.

Kern Sol News is a youth-led journalism organization in Kern County. In their stories, reporters shine light on health and racial disparities in under-served communities across Kern. For more stories by South Kern Sol, head to southkernsol.org.