September is Hunger Action Month at the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK), with the local food bank raising awareness about food insecurity and encouraging community involvement in combating hunger. A press conference was held Tuesday morning explaining the campaign and other events that will be taking place this month.
CAPK hosted the press conference to launch its annual campaign, highlighting its role in combating food insecurity in Kern County. In 2024, the CAPK Food Bank distributed over 22 million pounds of food.
Jeremy Tobias, CEO of CAPK, emphasized the importance of the initiative. "We have over 150 community partners throughout Kern County that assist us in distributing the food that's necessary in need to here in our community," he said during the event inside a huge warehouse at the CAPK Food Bank in East Bakersfield.
Hunger Action Month in Kern County will consist of a variety of events centered around food but not exclusively focused on it. The following is the schedule:
Sept. 10: On Hunger Action Day, participants will be asked to wear orange and share the social media hashtag #CAPKHam to raise awareness of local food insecurity.
Sept. 10: KGET will host a food drive and luncheon from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Food donations will be accepted and donors can buy a tri-tip lunch at the corner of L and 22nd streets.
Sept. 20: People are invited to bring family and friends to help build food boxes for seniors in need from 8 to 11 a.m. at the CAPK Food Bank, 1807 Feliz Drive.
Sept. 23: People who bring in six cans of food (per person) between 4 and 11 p.m. get free entry to the Kern County Fair, 1142 S. P St.
Community members are encouraged community members to get involved in various ways, such as packing boxes, donating resources, or advocating for the cause. If you want to lend a helping hand you can visit CAPK online at https://www.capk.org/ to find more information.