Transforming Lives: How the Chico Food Project is Tackling Food Insecurity in Chico and Butte County

California is known for growing massive amounts of food, yet many people here struggle to afford it. This issue is especially noticeable in rural areas like Chico. To tackle this problem, three local women started the Chico Food Project (CFP) back in October 2012. Francine Kenkel, Wendy Smith, and Elena Carmon were moved by a billboard that highlighted child hunger in Butte County. Francine recalls, “I thought that was wrong. Like that can’t be right.”

The goal of CFP is clear: to help feed those in need. They collect food and partner with local food pantries to distribute it. As Francine notes, “There’s a lot more hungry people out there than you’d ever think.” Recent statistics show that about 14 million children in the U.S. face food insecurity, with 90% located in rural areas. The need is significant, and in their last collection, CFP gathered nearly 16,000 pounds of food.

Getting started wasn’t easy. Early on, Francine wondered how they could distribute food effectively. It wasn’t until she reached out to the Chico Community Food Locker that they found a solution. They encouraged the food locker to stay open on Saturdays, allowing them to hand off collected food directly.

Today, CFP runs a systematic food collection program. They rely on about 75 volunteers, donators, and a network of food pick-up routes. They’ve expanded their efforts beyond Chico to include Durham and other parts of Butte County. This growth is crucial as currently, one in five households in Butte County lives below the poverty line. The demand for food assistance continues to rise as food pantries face budget cuts and increased requests for help.

Donating food with CFP is straightforward. You can sign up on their website to receive a blue bag, which simplifies the donation process. Each bag comes with a schedule and a list of items that are in high demand. Every two months, volunteers swing by to collect the filled bags and replace them with empty ones, ensuring a steady flow of food to local pantries.

Experts in food security emphasize the importance of community involvement in combating hunger. Dr. Jennifer O’Donnell, a food policy researcher, notes, “Local initiatives like CFP are essential for addressing immediate needs while also raising awareness about food insecurity.” Events on social media demonstrate growing awareness, as more people share their support and stories around food donation drives.

On collection days, volunteers gather at a local church to prepare for their routes. The excitement is palpable as they start their “treasure hunt” for filled bags. When they return, local food banks arrive to collect food based on their needs, further demonstrating the collaborative nature of this effort.

As Francine prepares to pass on the role of program director, she recognizes the strength of their operation. “I think we’re doing a good job… Kind of a well-oiled machine,” she reflects. This dedication will help ensure the CFP continues to serve the community effectively, and they aim to keep making an impact.

In short, the Chico Food Project proves that local effort can make a real difference in fighting hunger. With committed volunteers and a strong community backing, they are transforming the lives of many families in Butte County. This simple yet powerful model of food collection shows how grassroots initiatives can answer the call to action against food insecurity.

For more information or to get involved, visit the Chico Food Project website. Each small contribution can help feed someone in need.

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