Food Insecurity in the Community
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Where to find local food resources during the federal funding pause
As the government shutdown has slowed funding to various federal assistance programs, CalFresh has been put at risk. This shutdown is felt in San Joaquin County, where roughly 131,000 individuals and 66,000 households depend on the food assistance program. While consistent funding to this program remains uncertain, there are local food pantries that are here to combat food insecurity that the community faces.
The Emergency Food Bank, located downtown on 7 W. Scotts Avenue, has been a longtime provider for the community. The food pantry serves Mondays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and you must provide a photo ID with current county address. Founded in 1968, this nonprofit organization has offered a supply of food to residents of San Joaquin County and nutrition education. The purpose of the nutrition education program is to provide workshops to underserved individuals and families about the importance of healthy meal planning. In addition to the food pantry and education this organization provides, there are also gardening workshops. Communities in urban areas, such as Stockton, have been turning towards community gardens as a source for fresh, locally grown produce—saving money and encouraging community participation.
The San Joaquin County Human Services Agency has a food program that gives to the community through its Food For You program. Similar to the Emergency Food Bank, this program provides free food to eligible low-income individuals. Eligibility is based on the person’s or household’s residency to San Joaquin County and meeting income requirements. The locations to pick up the food are at various community centers across the county and the dates are November 5, 6, 18, 19, 20, 21. Food is typically distributed on the third Thursday of the month, but several locations offer alternative dates for food distribution.
To view all local food distribution sites and times in November, visit https://www.sjcfoodforyou.org/Find-Food
For fellow Pacific students, there is fortunately a Pacific Food Pantry on the Stockton campus. The Food Resource Center offers food and gardening resources and it is open to all Pacificans. The food pantry is located in Communications Building Room 10 and its hours consist of Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Fridays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. To gain access to the food pantry, students must first complete the pantry-access request form, found on the Pacific Food Resource Center website. Because college can be expensive and classes are time-consuming, this campus food pantry is a great way to assist students that face food insecurity. The Food Resource Center as well offers hygiene products and fresh produce from the Ted and Chris Robb Garden is distributed once a week. For students that go to the Sacramento or San Francisco campus, they can apply for the Virtual Food Pantry which provides them with grocery store gift cards.
The need for food is more pressing as the holiday season approaches. Beyond current events in politics, food insecurity as a whole is a major issue in the community. Volunteering and donating to local food banks are highly encouraged to provide relief and resources that are needed. Compassion is important to confront the food scarcity that many families and individuals face. Whether someone is in need of food, seeks gardening lessons, or wants to donate time and resources, there are local organizations and food pantries that are ready to support the community.
Sources:
https://www.stocktonfoodbank.org/What-We-Do/Food-Pantry