CHICO, Calif. — The community action agency of Butte County and the North State food bank held a food distribution event on Friday morning in Chico. This event was one of the three ways they help provide food to those in need.

The organization helps feed around 150 households, with an average of 3 or 4 people within those households. The Northstate Food Bank said they help over 5,000 people each month.

Director of Community Services For The Community Action Agency, Tom Dearmore, told KRCR that this was just one of 30 food distribution events they hold every year. Dearmore said that the demand to help those in the community is increasing. “Folks have gotten used to a little Cal Fresh help and that has since gone away.” Dearmore continued, “Then of course the prices of everything are going up. Many of these people in line are having to choose whether to put fuel in their car or buy food, so this helps out.”

Dearmore added that when it comes to the holidays they see more people who are looking to help, so these events really impact those in need. Dearmore added that they also provide programs to help people become self-sufficient.