There are hungry families in Kings County.

The last statewide study of those going hungry in California was conducted by the University of California Los Angeles in 2005, according to Jeff Garner, community outreach and marketing director for Kings Community Action Organization. The results of that study pinpointed Kings County as the lead county in the state with families reporting food insecurity. Food insecurity means a family is not sure there will be enough food for their next meal.

Kings County currently has many independent agencies and groups trying to address these needs, but does not have a central food bank.

But this is about to change.

Within the next month, KCAO will receive a 1,500-square-foot refrigerator allowing it to keep perishables. It will be located in the Lemoore Municipal Complex at 711 W. Cinnamon Drive along with space for non-perishable items and a loading dock.

"We are scrambling to get more money and programs to meet the needs of our population," Garner said.

The first step has already been made.

The Lemoore City Council voted unanimously to lease the space to KCAO at its July meeting. The cost to KCAO is $1 per year for 10 years with two five-year options.

"There is plenty of room in the complex for the food bank," said Jeff Briltz, Lemoore City Manager. "No current programs such as the teen center and wrestling will be affected."

The plan calls for 8,000 square feet in storage space, 2,000 square feet in shared space and 1,000 square feet of docking area. KCAO will pay the utility bill on the area.

"We are anxious to help serve the underprivileged by helping establish a larger and more accessible warehouse," Briltz said.

The need is great.

Lemoore Christian Aid, which offers food and clothing at its 224 N. Lemoore Ave., has almost bare shelves. According to Thom Abrahamson, LCA director, the charity is helping approximately 70 families each month.

"The food is going out as fast as we can get it," Abrahamson said.

People and families going to LCA do not have to meet state or federal requirements. Abrahamson said he was excited about the prospect of the food bank. LCA receives most of its food items from local donations.

"We will be able to purchase food for pennies on the dollar when the food bank is in operation," Abrahamson said.

The Stratford Resource Center, located on the campus of Stratford Elementary School, distributes food and clothing monthly. Only people who can prove residence in Stratford may take advantage of this resource.

Lemoore's Assembly of God Church at 501 E. Bush St. works with KCAO to provide food for local residents. They distribute food to families meeting income and residency requirements the third Friday of each month.

Garner said the establishment of the food bank in Lemoore will allow all sites in the county providing food to those in need with a faster, more streamlined system.

But, according to Garner, it is not the answer to the hunger problem in Kings County.

Garner said he is troubled that children in this country may be going hungry and although the food bank, set to open in January, will be a big step in reducing the suffering, it is really up to all Americans look at systems and policies in effect today that may be contributing to the hunger problem and work to make positive changes.

Anyone in need of assistance may contact KCAO at 583-8071.

(Nov. 13, 2009)