BAKERSFIELD, CA - An estimated 18,000 local people depend on the golden empire gleaners each month. With drought affecting our state -- the food supply for these folks could be in jeopardy.
Coetta Carter stopped by the Golden Empire Gleaners to get some help putting food on the table.
"It's kind of rough. That's why you have to come over and you have to get something to hold you off until you get your check or whatever," Carter said.
Carter says she only comes to the food bank when necessary, but it's nice to know it's there.
"I really appreciate it," Carter said.
Golden Empire Gleaners executive director Pam Fiorini said, "When you've got more months than money, or you're out there working as hard as you can and it's still not adequate, that's what our donors of both the food product and the money, that support us, that's exactly what they want us to be here for."
It started in 1985 with the premise of gleaning from local farms -- meaning collecting left over food from crops. This year, the availability of fresh food is expected to be down.
Fiorini said "It's even more critical when there's less agricultural product available, to make sure that we have enough of the non-perishable foods to fill in."
Fiorini says that's where food drives come in.
"We are thrilled to be able to connect with the community and collect as much non-perishable foods as we can, that will help to feed the hungry throughout Kern County," Fiorini said.
The food drive will be going on until 7 p.m. outside our studios at 22nd and M streets.
We are collecting non-perishable food items.
Cash and credit card donations are also accepted.
Coetta Carter stopped by the Golden Empire Gleaners to get some help putting food on the table.
"It's kind of rough. That's why you have to come over and you have to get something to hold you off until you get your check or whatever," Carter said.
Carter says she only comes to the food bank when necessary, but it's nice to know it's there.
"I really appreciate it," Carter said.
Golden Empire Gleaners executive director Pam Fiorini said, "When you've got more months than money, or you're out there working as hard as you can and it's still not adequate, that's what our donors of both the food product and the money, that support us, that's exactly what they want us to be here for."
It started in 1985 with the premise of gleaning from local farms -- meaning collecting left over food from crops. This year, the availability of fresh food is expected to be down.
Fiorini said "It's even more critical when there's less agricultural product available, to make sure that we have enough of the non-perishable foods to fill in."
Fiorini says that's where food drives come in.
"We are thrilled to be able to connect with the community and collect as much non-perishable foods as we can, that will help to feed the hungry throughout Kern County," Fiorini said.
The food drive will be going on until 7 p.m. outside our studios at 22nd and M streets.
We are collecting non-perishable food items.
Cash and credit card donations are also accepted.