KCAO’s November Food Distributions Bring Meals to Thousands

Kings Community Action Organization saw one of its busiest months of the year this November, distributing holiday food to thousands of families across the county. With many residents facing seasonal layoffs and rising costs, KCAO’s food distributions provided both essential support and a sense of celebration heading into Thanksgiving.

“November is different because many of our families aren’t working,” said KCAO’s Martha Tamayo. “The need is higher compared to other months… many of our clients want to celebrate with their loved ones and they want to have a plate of food to share with them.”

This year, KCAO distributed turkeys, carne asada, or ground beef, depending on availability, along with holiday staples such as green beans, collard greens, corn, oil, dried cranberries, raisins, tortillas, juice, potatoes, sweet potatoes and mixed produce boxes.

“The demand was definitely higher this year,” said NEHP Director Juan Martinez. According to the reports received so far, KCAO has served approximately 9,610 families at November food distribution, an increase from last year’s totals, when the organization assisted 9,300 families. Martinez said the final numbers for 2025 will be confirmed once all reports are received, but the need was clear across all distribution sites.

The effort was powered by about 400 volunteers contributing 956 hours, along with strong support from community partners including Armona Building Blocks, Lemoore Landing Edge Apartments, Edgewater Apartments, River Oaks Apartments, Hanford Post Acute, Adventist Health, Avenal Adult School, Liberty Military Housing and Selma Dragados Flatiron.

As the holidays continue, KCAO remains committed to ensuring every family in Kings County has access to healthy, nutritious food. To see KCAO’s December food distribution calendar, please visit www.kcao.org/tefap. Community members interested in volunteering can sign up at www.kcao.org/volunteer.