Join the Fight Against Hunger: Butte County’s Food Distribution Event Tackles Food Insecurity

CHICO, Calif. — Federal spending cuts are putting food assistance programs like SNAP and CalFresh at risk. In response, the Community Action Agency of Butte County is hosting a food distribution event in Chico. These events are designed to help local residents facing food insecurity. People can drive in, and volunteers will load their cars with boxes of essential food items.

Thomas Dearmore, the agency’s Chief Operations Officer, shared how they keep these distributions accessible. “We only ask for some basic information, like household size, to determine food amounts. Our goal is to minimize barriers to getting food,” he explained.

Volunteers have observed a rise in the number of attendees over the past year. This trend aligns with soaring food prices and fears of funding cuts. “Anyone who shops knows prices have gone up sharply, especially this year. We’ve noticed a big increase,” said Karl Builtman, a dedicated volunteer.

The food boxes are designed to ensure balanced meals, often containing similar types of items. While donations of pantry goods are appreciated, Dearmore highlighted that cash donations are crucial. “We welcome all donations, but cash allows us to buy what we need. It’s our most effective way to supplement the pantry,” he noted.

With around 400 people expected to attend but only ten volunteers available, this event highlights the urgent need for food support in the community. According to recent data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food insecurity rose to 10.5% in 2021, affecting millions of American families. This underscores the increasing reliance on organizations like the Community Action Agency.

As food prices continue to climb, local response efforts are more vital than ever. The community’s involvement, whether through volunteering or donating, can make a substantial difference during these challenging times.

For more insights on food insecurity trends, check the USDA resources here.

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Food distribution,Food insecurity,Butte County,SNAP,CalFresh,Community Action Agency,Volunteers,Food assistance