By Denise Rockenstein–Staff reporter
LAKE COUNTY–Lake County Community Action Agency (LCCAA) is finding it difficult to keep its food cupboard full. Severe weather conditions and the economic crisis of the state are affecting local agencies ability to feed the hungry in Lake County.
A look at the agency”s pantry on Monday depicted a dire need for contributions and support for local food banks. The agency was forced to close its doors and turn people away due to a lack of food.
“We served 130 people in just one week and we have a whole summer ahead of us,” said LCCAA Assistant Sonja Lujan.
LCCAA Food Program Manager Lou Denny said there is a host of factors contributing to the shortage of food being made available to those in need.
“There are all kinds of reasons this is happening,” Denny said. “We need to go to the root of the problem. Poverty in our country, minimum wage, the price of gas, the economy, education, these all contribute to the problem we are facing.”
LCCAA coordinates with several food programs throughout the county, all of which are being affected by the agency”s barren shelves. Denny explained that the purpose of the food pantry is to provide as much bulk food as possible for distribution through various sites. The food the agency receives is acquired through sources such as individual donations and local and regional retailers and growers. Denny said in past years, much of the food was supplied by growers in the central valley. However, due to severe weather conditions that were experienced early last spring as well as budget constraints, America Second Harvest was unable to provide an adequate amount of food products to fill Lake County food bank pantries.
Denny further explained that due to the rising cost of gas, LCCAA is being forced to look closer to home for support. He said he is finding local retailers to be receptive of the agency”s needs and some have offered to provide products at cost. He said that local grower Colleen Retch, who operates Seely”s Orchards and Market”s fresh produce stand in Upper Lake, has been especially supportive as well. Leonardis and Sky Hoyt, both Kelseyville growers, have also been supportive.
“One in five kids goes to bed hungry each night in Lake County,” Denny said, adding that 38 million Americans are considered to be “food insecure.”
The best way to solve this problem, Denny said, is for people to become more proactive and advocate. “What people can do is join in the role of advocacy,” he said, attributing the recent passing of the Farm Bill to wide-spread advocacy. “Write letters, visit those who represent us on the state and federal levels and reach the people who really pull the strings. Voices do make a difference.”
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
