The Hungry

 

"For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home."

Matthew 25:35

 

Approximately 1 in 5 residents in Kern County face food insecurity, a rate significantly higher than both state and national averages. This crisis disproportionately impacts the area's youth, with nearly 50,000 children in the county experiencing hunger.. Research also indicates that senior citizens are the fastest-growing food insecure population in the United States. The tragedy is that 40% of all food produced in America is wasted. Through our initiatives and partnerships, we are making a significant difference in reversing these statistics

You Can PUT HOPE ON THE TABLE

No one should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. Yet thousands of families in our community face food insecurity every day.

 

A simple box of groceries does more than fill an empty pantry—it reminds someone they are seen, valued, and not alone. Together, we can meet practical needs while sharing the love of Christ.

 

Whether you pack, deliver, or sponsor food, you're helping meet both physical and spiritual needs.

 

Packing Team:  Help prepare food boxes that bring hope to local families.

 

Delivery Team:  Deliver groceries and encouragement directly to homes in our community.

 

Sponsor a Box:  Your generosity provides food for families facing difficult seasons.

 

JOIN A TEAM
NOMINATE A CHILD IN NEED
SPONSOR A FOOD BOX

Ongoing Outreach Opportunities

Senior Sack

Each month, many seniors with a meager income are forced to decide which necessities to pay for; rent, prescriptions, food, etc. Many seniors struggle to make ends meet and are unable to afford nutritious meals. Senior Sack partners with local food banks to receive bulk food deliveries that seniors can come and receive free of charge twice a month. They also provide a warm cup of coffee and conversation for many who struggle with loneliness. Senior Sack operates out of Florence Gardens, our beautiful independent senior living facility right on the Canyon Hills campus in Bakersfield.

Children's Summer Feeding Initiative

For many children, school provides more than an education—it provides reliable access to healthy meals. When classrooms close for summer and school breaks, that safety net often disappears. Through The Hungry Initiative, we provide groceries filled with nutritious food so families can continue preparing meals at home. Together, we're helping ensure children are nourished, parents are supported, and families experience the love and care of Christ during every season.

Thanksgiving Food Boxes

For many families, Thanksgiving is about more than a meal—it's about belonging, tradition, and time together. Each year, we provide hundreds of complete Thanksgiving meal boxes filled with everything needed to prepare a holiday dinner at home. By placing the meal in their hands instead of serving it for them, we help preserve dignity while giving parents and grandparents the opportunity to create lasting memories around their own table.

Truck to Trunk Outreaches

In 2020, we partnered with CityServe to feed families in our community who were struggling to put food on their tables. The pandemic brought hardships to many families and they found themselves wondering how they were going to feed their loved ones. Thanks to the USDA Farmers to Families Food Box program, we were able to provide thousands of 30lb. boxes of fresh vegetables and fruits, meat and dairy in our community for free. The product given away is top of the line in terms of freshness and quality. These are not just leftovers, but premium food, much of which comes from farms right here in the central valley. 

Our Strategic Partners

Waste Hunger, Not Food

Waste Hunger Not Food takes edible, surplus food from restaurants, schools, and markets that otherwise may be wasted and distributes it to those in need. Led by Kern County Department of Public Health Services, Waste Hunger, Not Food Kern County rescues surplus, edible food from restaurants, schools, and markets that might otherwise have been wasted and distributes it to those in need.

 

Since the launch of its pilot program in September 2018, Canyon Hills has hosted weekly food distribution sites and worked closely with the County to develop the program in our community.

 

Morning Star Ministries

Morning Star Ministries exists to fight hunger and feed souls. Every month, Morning Star Ministries sources local growers, farmers and butchers to provide fresh food to families in Bakersfield.  Volunteers come together to pack and fill boxes with fresh fruits, vegetables and locally sourced meats. After the boxes are packed, the team gathers to pray over each box before it's delivered to a family in need.

 

CAPK

CAPK Food Bank increases access to healthy affordable food to support the health of the communities they serve. They are the frontline responders to individuals in Kern County experiencing food insecurity. CAPK partners with organizations in our community, including our own senior living development, Florence Gardens, to deliver food to vulnerable populations in Kern County.