Amid Rising Hunger, Kern County Rallies to Feed the Need
This September, Hunger Action Month brought a heightened focus to a pressing national issue: food insecurity. Across the country, millions of Americans faced uncertainty about their next meal, but in Kern County, California, the crisis was especially stark. In 2022, 14.3% of adults in Kern County reported experiencing food insecurity—a figure that outpaced both state and national averages. For children, the situation was even graver: over 20% were unsure where their next meal would come from.
As the nation recognized Hunger Action Month, the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) led the charge locally with its annual Feed the Need campaign, galvanizing residents and businesses alike to help restock local food pantries. At the heart of this initiative was the Feed the Need Canned Food Drive, a collaboration with the Kern County Fair, which turned canned goods into entry tickets. On Sept. 24, fairgoers who donated six or more canned items gained free admission, a simple yet impactful gesture aimed at collecting thousands of pounds of food for local families in need.
A Community Effort
This year’s Feed the Need drive came at a critical time for the county’s 200-plus food pantries and community centers, which have long depended on public generosity. CAPK volunteers, stationed at each entrance of the fairgrounds, collected donations and spread awareness of how food insecurity impacts the local community. The food collected will be distributed across the county, providing meals for children, seniors, and families struggling with hunger.
“We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support from the Kern County community,” said Jeremy T. Tobias, Chief Executive Officer of CAPK. “This event highlights the urgent need to address hunger in our county, and the community’s response is a testament to their compassion and commitment to making a difference.”
Despite soaring triple-digit temperatures, community members showed up in force. While it did not surpass last year’s record-breaking haul of 30,000 pounds of food, this year’s drive managed to gather an impressive 25,638 pounds. This equates to approximately 21,412 meals for those in need. “Every pound of food donated makes a real difference in the lives of our neighbors,” said Kelly Lowery, CAPK Food Bank Program Administrator.
Since its launch in 2012, Feed the Need has collected over 650,000 pounds of food—a staggering contribution to the fight against hunger in Kern County. What began as a modest effort has become one of the community’s most anticipated events, drawing support from individuals, families, and local businesses.
The Role of Local Business
This year, as in previous years, the business community played a pivotal role in Feed the Need’s success. Local companies provided financial support, donated food, and encouraged employees to volunteer. Corporate partnerships, CAPK noted, are crucial not just for their immediate contributions but also for the long-term sustainability of efforts to combat hunger.
“Hunger affects more than just the people it directly touches,” Tobias said. “When children go hungry, their ability to learn and succeed is compromised. When parents face food insecurity, their work productivity and health suffer. The business community’s involvement is essential in breaking the cycle of poverty and hunger.”
From friendly internal competitions to large-scale donation drives, businesses in Kern County have stepped up. They’ve rallied their employees and inspired customers to get involved, providing much-needed resources to keep CAPK’s Food Bank running year-round.
For many of these companies, supporting CAPK’s mission goes beyond philanthropy—it’s a way to strengthen the entire community. Hunger, after all, doesn’t just impact individuals; it affects the productivity and well-being of an entire workforce.
A National Call to Action
The urgency of Hunger Action Month, a nationwide initiative led by Feeding America, extends beyond the boundaries of Kern County. With 40% of the food produced in the United States going to waste each year, communities are called to tackle the systemic causes of food insecurity and waste. The month-long campaign encourages people to act by donating, volunteering, or raising awareness of hunger in their local communities.
Yet for CAPK, the mission to end hunger is not limited to one month. The organization’s Food Bank distributes millions of pounds of food annually to individuals, nonprofits, and shelters across Kern County. Events like Feed the Need help keep the shelves stocked, but the need for ongoing support—particularly from businesses—remains critical.
“Hunger Action Month may be over, but the fight to end hunger continues every day,” Tobias said. “We encourage the business community and individuals alike to get involved year-round.”
Looking Ahead
With Hunger Action Month drawing to a close, CAPK remains focused on its mission: providing food to those in need and working toward long-term solutions to food insecurity. The business community’s involvement has been, and will continue to be, a vital component of this effort. From volunteerism to financial support, local companies help CAPK distribute millions of pounds of food annually, ensuring that no one in Kern County goes hungry.
For more information on how your business can support CAPK’s mission to end hunger, visit capkfoundation.org/ham24.
Kern County Steps Up for Hunger Action Month
While September may have been marked by heightened awareness of hunger, the people of Kern County know that addressing food insecurity is a year-round effort. As businesses, volunteers, and residents rally around campaigns like Feed the Need, the county inches closer to a future where no one has to wonder where their next meal is coming from.
In a place where agriculture reigns, the irony of hunger is not lost. But thanks to the efforts of CAPK and the support of the Kern County community, there is hope that one day, hunger will no longer be a defining feature of life in this vibrant region.
