News

Thousands of Kern County Residents to Receive Fresh, Healthy Food this Winter Thanks to Grant from Health Net

Date: 11/18/22

Trucks are the lifeblood of Kern County's 8,000 square mile emergency food network. It's why Health Net awarded a $130,000 grant to the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) to purchase a new refrigerated food distribution truck.

Just how important are these trucks? They carry nutritional staples, breads, protein, milk, juice and fresh produce from the CAPK Food Bank – the hub of the network – to every community across Kern. Without this fleet of refrigerated trucks, food doesn't get to the more than 40,000 people who rely on the food bank every month.

"Through our partnerships, Health Net works to address all factors that impact health – including food security," said Nai Kasick, Vice President, Medi-Cal Regional Lead at Health Net. "No one should have to worry about putting food on the table for themselves or their families. We are proud to support the Community Action Partnership of Kern so they can safely deliver refrigerated food to the communities they serve."

Already, the new CAPK truck has hit the road as the first cold days of winter approach. Now is a critical time when CAPK works with community partners to pull together food that will sustain Kern County families through the winter, starting with Thanksgiving. Thankfully for local residents, CAPK now has the logistical power to connect people and food during the upcoming holiday season.

This grant is one of our many efforts to address food insecurity in the communities we serve. Learn more about how Health Net's partnerships and programs that expand access to existing safety nets (PDF).

Nai Kasick, Vice President, Medi-Cal Regional Lead for Health Net cuts the ribbon, joined by James Burger, Outreach & Advocacy Coordinator at CAPK and elected official aides for U.S. House of Rep. David Valadao, State of California Senate Melissa Hurtado, State of California Senate Shannon Grove, California Legislature Assembly Vince Fong and City of Bakersfield Mayor Karen K. Goh.