In rural Kern County, limited resources and funding have made addressing food insecurity a challenge. Local community organizations, churches, small businesses, and donors have worked together to provide food assistance through distributions and food pantries in smaller communities.
Many of these food pantries and distribution sites are located primarily in Bakersfield, with fewer options available in rural areas such as McFarland, Wasco, and Delano.
In partnership with the Delano Union School District, Community Connections previously operated as a food pantry and now assists Delano residents with utility bill support and referrals for other essential services. Community members can call 661-721-7036 for more information about available family resources.
In McFarland, one food pantry is available to its residents at the Church of The Living Savior. Distributions are every 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Two additional food distributions through the United States Department of Agriculture are available for residents needing extra assistance:
•Church of The Living Savior 149 5th Street, McFarland every 3rd Tuesday of the month from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
•Family Life Worship Center 501 Perkins Ave, McFarland, every 3rd Saturday of the month from 12 p.m. to 3 pm.
Amanda Carranza, a nursing student at Bakersfield College who attends the Delano campus, said food pantries play an important role in supporting students.
“I think food pantries as a whole are very important because they can help people who are facing food insecurity, especially now that everything is so expensive,” Carranza said. “ We as BC students benefit from it so much because we can go in whenever we please and pick up a few essentials if we need them, and it doesn’t cost us anything.”
Recently, the BC Arvin campus held the grand opening of its own food pantry, providing an additional resource for students who commute long distances or spend extended hours on campus.
Several Bakersfield College campuses have food pantries and hygiene closets available to support students
Additional food distribution sites and pantries in Kern can be found here Food Pantry Locator
