Golden Empire Gleaners

Our mission is to help alleviate hunger and provide food for those in need in the Kern County community. We accomplish this by collecting and distributing food and agricultural products that might otherwise go to waste. Through the help of our referring agencies, we are able to distribute food to needy children, senior citizens, families in crisis, people who are ill, disabled, homeless or unemployed, and others determined by the Board of Directors to be eligible.

We accomplish this through the following programs:

• Affiliated Agencies – Serves over 100 churches, missions and shelters.

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• After School – Serves 30 after school and summer programs providing snacks for participating students.

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• Food for Thought – Serves families of school children at over 115 participating schools.

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• Harvest Time Agencies – Serves over 70 government agencies and non-profit organizations that identify those in need of emergency food.  We also include an opportunity to “Volunteer for Food.”

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• Senior Sack – Serves low-income seniors at 25 sites that include churches and community senior centers.

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The Golden Empire Gleaners is a private food bank that is run by only four paid staff and hundreds of volunteers. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is debt-free and receives no government assistance. The work of the Gleaners is supported by generous local businesses, organizations and individuals who share our goal of eliminating hunger in our community.