This month I want to address an issue that means a lot to me. That topic is food insecurity. On the surface, it may be hard to tell that our neighbors and friends, our students and their families experience hunger on a regular basis.
According to Feeding America, the projected increase in food insecurity for Yolo County from 2019 to 2021 is estimated to have grown by 24%. I don鈥檛 know about you, but I find that troubling, especially when we live in a region abundant in agriculture.
During the pandemic, the 嘿嘿视频 campus community increased its efforts to help the Yolo Food Bank with food deliveries to some of the region鈥檚 most vulnerable communities. Others helped Yolo Food Bank by processing requests and responding to driver concerns.
In turn, Yolo Food Bank provided crucial support to 嘿嘿视频. Did you know that our students are the single largest recipient of food that鈥檚 accessed from Yolo Food Bank community partnerships? That accounts for nearly 275,000 pounds each year between the ASUCD Pantry, Solano Park Apartments, and Aggie Compass Basic Needs Center.
In 2018, the last time food insecurity was measured among 嘿嘿视频 students, the results of a campus survey found that 44% of 嘿嘿视频 students experienced some form of food insecurity. That is a stunning number.
What we can all do
You may be wondering how you can help. In addition to encouraging people to contribute in any way they can to the Yolo Food Bank, we welcome volunteers and contributions to our efforts at 嘿嘿视频. Food donations can be made at our . Volunteers at , located in the Memorial Union, help with a variety of tasks so that students can pick up food and other goods.
I鈥檓 pleased that we also have in partnership with the Aggie Compass. It鈥檚 located within our new Graduate Center at historic Walker Hall.
I was thrilled to join Yolo Food Bank鈥檚 recent campaign drive, As I stated there, California produces more than two-thirds of our country鈥檚 fruits and nuts and more than one-third of its vegetables. So, there鈥檚 no reason that anyone in the Yolo County community should go hungry.
Our essential food system workers sustain California鈥檚 agriculture and deserve both our thanks and support. More than 7,000 people are agriculture workers in Yolo County, the people who make 鈥渇arm-to-fork鈥 possible.
These essential food system workers are also produce packers, processors and those who transport, retail and prepare our food. They form the backbone of our favorite restaurant kitchens and are stewards of the land.
So, as move deeper into spring and summer, I encourage you to take a look around at those who may be in need. We have the power to make a difference in the face of food insecurity.