BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/FOX58) — California Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) held a press conference on Tuesday, Nov. 14, to address food insecurity findings for the year, a new grant, and a new program funded by SoCalGas.

The press conference mentioned:

• The 2023 Food Insecurity Needs Assessment
• Outcomes from a $200,000 “Fueling our Communities” grant program funded by SoCalGas
• $240,000 program to build capacity among CAPK’s Food Bank distribution throughout Kern County

Kelly Lowery, CAPK Food Bank Administrator said the assessment understands the food-insecure population and establishes an infrastructure.

Jeremy Tobias, CEO of CAPK, said, “Food insecurity in Kern County is not merely a CAPK issue or governmental issue, but rather as a community. We must be committed to challenges we face with food insecurity in Kern.”

Susana Magana, Director of Health and Nutrition, said the Food Insecurity Needs Assessment is a report that they will use to make decisions to reach community members who are food insecure.

Rob Duchow, Public Affairs Manager for SoCalGas Company in Kern, said, “This $200,000 donation helps CAPK provide 117,000 protein-rich meals.”

The meals were served to thousands of families, especially in rural areas.