On Jan. 10, Líderes Campesinas will host a community food drive at St. John the Evangelist Parish Hall, located at 1130 9th St. in Wasco. The distribution will begin at 7 a.m. and continue until supplies last.
The distribution will be held as a drive-through event. Community members are instructed to enter via 9th Street, where volunteers will distribute food supplies. Organizers ask attendees not to block driveways or impede traffic. According to organizers, supplies typically last until approximately 10 a.m.
The food drive is held monthly, alternating between Wasco and Shafter. This month’s event will take place in Wasco. The initiative began approximately six months ago, during a period when increased immigration enforcement activity limited some residents’ ability to leave their homes and access food. In response, volunteers initially delivered food directly to households before transitioning to a community food drive.
Líderes Campesinas is a nonprofit organization led by farmworker women that focuses on community advocacy and education. The organization addresses issues including domestic violence, gender equality, sexual assault, and provides legal resources.
“I was a victim of domestic violence that’s why I am passionate about this work,” said Yesenia Acosta, an organizer with Líderes Campesinas. “Thanks to this organization, I was able to get my work permit. I spent eight years as a volunteer, and now I have three years as an organizer.”
According to Acosta, Executive Director Suget Lopez played a key role in establishing the food drive by coordinating with Food Forward to secure funding and food resources.
“Our executive director, Suget Lopez, is who made this a reality,” Acosta said. “She gave us the opportunity and provided the support to bring this program to the community.”
Líderes Campesinas operates throughout California and focuses on the development among women in agricultural communities.
“Our focus is for women to stand up and find their voice,” Acosta said. “For a long time, men have led, and now it’s women’s turn. There is no need to stay silent or endure violence,there is always someone who will listen.”
Information on domestic violence resources, legal rights, pesticide safety, and health services will also be available at the event.
For more information, contact Yesenia Acosta at (661) 438-6254 or visit liderescampesinas.org.
