- Author: Denise H Cuendett
Food insecurities are a way of life in the central valley. Even though we produce much of the nations fresh fruits and vegetables, families living in the area find it hard to purchase fresh produce. The collaboration of Commission on Aging, Community Food Bank, Hanford Parks and Recreation and UC CalFresh established a food distribution in Hanford CA that is celebrating it's first year mark. The first Wednesday of the month members of the community have an opportunity to receive fresh fruits and vegetables. In December they received strawberries, melons, tomatoes, lettuce, squash and pomegranates. Over 12,000 lbs of food was distributed to more than 400 families. CalFresh eligibility workers were in attendance providing information regarding the CalFresh program and to sign up anyone needing assistance. A visit from Joe Neves, a county board supervisor, dressed as Santa provided a festive atmosphere.