KCSOS, CALM Zoo Partner to Support Local Families Facing Food Insecurity

KCSOS Nutrition Education Program and the Food and Nutrition Services Department are teaming up with  CALM Zoo to launch a new winter donation event designed to support local families facing increased food insecurities called Stock the Shelves. 

Brianna Crosby, Program Coordinator for Community Schools, said the idea for the event emerged after more and more community members began asking how they could support families in need. She reached out to Meg Maitland and Elizabeth Graff at CALM Zoo to pitch the concept — and the timing couldn’t have been better. CALM was also looking to introduce a new philanthropic element to HolidayLights, making the partnership a natural fit.

“Together we’re filling our school’s pantry shelves to support our local students who need us most,” said Elizabeth Graff, Volunteer and Community Engagement Facilitator at CALM Zoo. “We thank everyone who donates for not only supporting CALM, but also our local students.”

The KCSOS Nutrition Education Program, originally launched through a partnership with CAPK and CalFresh Healthy Living Funding, provides nutrition classes and hands-on cooking lessons for students across Kern County. The program also installs on-campus food pantries, giving students and their families a reliable source of food and strengthening their connection to the community. 

With funding now discontinued, many of these school-site pantries are struggling to stay stocked. Crosby says the pantries currently support more than 35 families, and demand continues to grow as more families seek assistance. Donations collected through Stock the Shelves will help keep these pantries operational and ensure families have access to essential food resources. 

Community contributions and support are especially critical now, as families are facing new challenges accessing consistent food assistance.

“Recent inconsistencies with SNAP benefits have left families filled with anxiety and in need of support,” explained Crosby. “These pantries help ease their concerns and connect families with their schools.”  

Community members wishing to participate are asked to bring three non-parishable, non-expired food items when they visit HolidayLights at CALM Zoo, which runs through Jan. 3. Acceptable donations include non-perishable items such as canned vegetables and fruits, sauces and soups, fish in oil, boxed juices, dried pasta, honey, peanut butter, jelly, rice, and beans. 

As a thank you for their generosity, guests will receive one raffle ticket for every three items donated.The winning guest will receive a private dinner at the Willows at CALM for up to 12 guests. 

“I hope that the “Stock the Shelves” event at CALM can draw attention to our community and help those in need,” Crosby said. “Together it is important that we support one another, especially in time of need.”

Tickets are on sale now for HolidayLights and should be purchased in advance online at www.calmholidaylights.com or at the CALM gift shop. Tickets are $19 for adults and $16 for children (ages 3-12), seniors (65+), military, and CALM members. CALM member children can enjoy admission for just $14.