The “Feed the Need” food drive is returning to Kern County this year, offering fairgoers the opportunity to support the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) Food Bank by bringing canned goods to the fairgrounds. Feed the Need’s offer for free admission to the fair is only valid from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on September 24.
“Over the years, we’ve collected quite a bit of food through this drive,” Kelly Lowery, the CAPK Food Bank Director. “Last year, we collected over 30,000 pounds of food in just a matter of hours on that one day. That amount equates to roughly 22,000 to 23,000 meals, which is a significant contribution to our community.”
Lowery hopes this year’s drive will exceed previous years’ contributions, given the increasing demand for food assistance across Kern County. In the past year, the number of people accessing emergency food services has doubled from 100,000 to over 200,000 engagements per month, highlighting the growing need in the community.
In addition to participating in the food drive at the fair, there are several other ways the public can support the food bank. Volunteering is a key component, especially given the small size of the staff.
“We’re always looking for volunteers to help us with everything from filling food boxes to driving for deliveries or pickups,” Lowery explained.
If volunteering isn’t possible, financial contributions are another crucial way to support. People can choose to make a one-time donation or sign up as a monthly donor. There’s also a creative fundraising option where donors can sponsor a can on the food bank’s unique “apple wall” made from cans.
The food bank has also made it easy for individuals to donate directly from their phones by texting “FEEDKERN” to 50155.
Lowery stated that with more than 20% of Kern County’s population relying on these services each month, community support is essential.
“We appreciate the opportunity to talk about what we’re doing at the food bank because it affects such a large segment of the population. We hope that folks hear this message and get involved,” Lowery concluded.
For more information on how to participate or donate, or to volunteer, visit the food bank’s website or join the “Feed the Need” drive at the fair on September 24.
