The state of food availability, access and affordability in the breadbasket of the world
Our Community
Tackling the interconnected issues of food insecurity, access to food and health outcomes in Kern County is vital for the well-being and health of the community. It requires a comprehensive and well-rounded approach, which includes implementing policy changes, raising community awareness and supporting initiatives focused on making nutritious food more available.
Addressing food insecurity is not merely a moral duty; it’s also essential for societal welfare and public health. A multifaceted approach is needed to alleviate the related health and economic hardships and to establish healthier and more equal communities, emphasizing the urgency for swift and sustained solutions.
Food Insecurity in the County is on the Rise
During the COVID-19 pandemic, more food resources were made available to food-insecure communities and more organizations in Kern County were empowered to distribute to communities in need. However, that didn’t last long. When special food programs ended on Feb. 28th 2023, many people in Kern County who needed help were left insecure. Now many local agencies are tirelessly working to help bridge the gap.
Food Insecurity and Its Impact
Food insecurity is consistently linked to health outcomes and identified as a crucial determinant of health, posing substantial burdens on individual and societal well-being. This pervasive issue has implications for healthcare and social costs, as evidenced by the augmented health care expenditures in regions like Kern County, where the added healthcare cost was estimated at $180,929,518 in 2016.
The ramifications of food insecurity extend to various age groups, each facing unique health challenges and its mitigation is paramount to alleviate healthcare burdens and improve quality of life.
Health Implications
Food insecurity is intricately linked to a plethora of health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, depression and many others, affecting both mental and physical aspects of health. It contributes to diminished nutrient intake and quality of life.
Economic Consequences
In economic terms, the detrimental effects of marginal food insecurity on nutrient intake for seniors are equivalent to a $15,000 reduction in income, illustrating the profound economic implications food insecurity can have on an individual’s ability to access nutritious food.
Assessing the Relationship with Obesity
The relationship between obesity and food insecurity is not definitive. While some research suggests potential connections, particularly among women, other studies argue that there’s no clear association, citing various contributing factors to obesity and emphasizing the need to control for other relevant cofounding factors.
The Implications
Although Bakersfield is the “hungriest metropolitan area in the United States,” 78% of adults in Kern County are overweight or obese.
In 2020, 44.9% of 5th graders (10-years-old) in Kern County were overweight or obese — yet 22.8% of Kern’s children are food insecure.
Challenges in Food Access: Food Deserts and Food Swamps
Both food deserts and food swamps represent significant public health challenges, as they can contribute to poor dietary habits and related health problems, particularly in low-income communities. Addressing the issues presented by food deserts and food swamps requires multifaceted approaches, including improving access to healthy food options, community education and nutrition and regulatory measures to manage the density of unhealthy food outlets.
Food Deserts
A food desert is a geographic area where residents have limited access to affordable and nutritious food options, typically due to a lack of grocery stores, farmers’ markets and healthy food providers. People living in food deserts might have to travel considerable distances to purchase healthy food options, and as a result, they may rely more heavily on convenience stores and fast-food restaurants.
Food Swamps
A food swamp is an area where there is an abundance of fast-food restaurant, convenience stores and other outlets selling unhealthy, highly processed and high-calorie foods, often with few to no options for purchasing healthy, nutritious food. The term “swamp” implies an over-saturation of such food options, which can make it harder for people to make healthy food choices, even if there are also sources of healthier foods available in the area.
Both concepts deal with the unavailability or lack of access to nutritious food, leading to higher reliance on processed, high-calorie and low nutrient foods, which can contribute to various health issues like obesity, diabetes and other diet-related diseases.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
Map: Locate Resources
Welcome to our GIS Map feature! If you’re seeking resources close to you, our interactive map is here to guide you. Whether you’re looking for locally grown foods from schools, food banks, or distribution centers, our map provides all the details. It showcases grocery stores, pantry locations, WIC sites and even bus routes for your convenience.
Use the map below to locate essential resources and to help make fair community investments. It can also be a valuable tool in shaping future programs and policies for our community. Dive in and explore!
Outlined Critical Data and Statistics
Food Insecurity in Kern County leads to health issues. Kids as young as 11 are facing pre-diabetes. Families without steady food access often choose unhealthy options, causing poor nutrition and obesity. Many kids now prefer Junk food over healthier choices.
Kern County Facts
- As of 2022, Kern out-performed Fresno as the largest agricultural-producing county in the United States.
- As of 2020, 14.3% of adults in Kern County were food insecure, compared to 10.5% nationwide, and 9.1% in California.
- As of 2022, 22.8% of Kern children lived in food insecurity.
The Realities of Living in a Food Swamp
Bakersfield holds the grim title of being the “hungriest metropolitan area in the United States.” Yet, paradoxically, data indicates a high prevalence of obesity among residents:
- A staggering 78% of Kern County adults are overweight or obese.
- As of 2020, almost half (44.9%) of the 5th graders in Kern County were either overweight or obese. In a further twist of irony, 22.8% of children in the county are food insecure. The juxtaposition of these statistics suggests a potential link between food insecurity and obesity.
The Kern County Food Policy Council
The Food Policy Council fosters a just, healthy, equitable and resilient food system through changes to policies and systems. The Food Policy Council is in its development phase and is progressing each day in achieving its final goal.
Contact: Kelly Lowery — Food Bank Administrator
klowery@capk.org (661) 498-7827×1306
Working Groups
Working groups undertake background research, prepare proposed policy language & educate the food policy council members on specific policy initiatives and related efforts. Working groups will incorporate proposed revisions to policy language and initiative planning provided by the MCFPC.
Leadership Groups
Each group will have one or two Leads to provide ongoing leadership. The Leads will facilitate, take notes, and coordinate with our subcommittees. They will also build a working group structure and meeting process that best suits the charge of their specific group.
