Even though Tulare County is one of the top agricultural counties in the nation, there are still the needy and hungry in our area. When we observe the homeless or those otherwise in need, our first reaction may be to ask what local government is going to do about it. However, I would suggest that we already have valuable resources in place within our community that can address these issues. I recently decided to conduct my own survey, and was greatly impressed by the resources which I found that are available out there. I will devote this month’s and next month’s articles to update our citizens as to some of the terrific people and local non-profits that are making a difference.
BETHLEHEM CENTER
The Bethlehem Center at 1638 N. Dinuba Blvd. is run by the Catholic Church of Visalia with Sherald Sluka as site director. The site covers about three and a half acres, and many retiree volunteers help to run the operation. This organization serves hot meals at breakfast and lunch to an average of sixty or more. The meals are healthy, appetizing, and when I visited, provided a tantalizing aroma. Members from various churches in the community volunteer on a regular basis to help prepare and serve the food. Many businesses, churches, and individuals likewise donate food, money and other commodities. Towards the end of each month as personal paychecks run low, the Center’s customers seem to increase.
Next door to the kitchen is a thrift shop open to the public. Clothing, books and appliances are donated, sorted and prepared by volunteers, who display the items and price them. There were even inexpensive wedding dresses and prom gowns available at the thrift shop! You can’t find a better deal in town. Additionally, food and clothing orders are provided at no cost to the indigent. The Bethlehem Center is a well run non-profit with the good of our community at heart. In order to donate or volunteer, call 734-1572 or visit www.facebook.com/BethlehemVisalia.
FOODLINK
Sandy Beals, the executive director of FoodLink, gave me the complete tour of their facility. This non-profit occupies about 27,000 square feet in Visalia’s industrial park. They provide food to approximately 80 emergency food pantries in Visalia and throughout Tulare County, including the Bethlehem Center, Salvation Army and Visalia Emergency Aid. FoodLink, in existence since 1978, was a spinoff of the Visalia Interchurch Fellowship.
Touring their plant is like going to the supermarket, at least during December. They have packaged food stacked almost to the ceiling, which has been donated by various manufacturers, packing houses, grocers, the USDA, and others. For instance, on the day I visited, Saputo Foods out of Tulare had donated eight pallets of cheese and butter. Fresh citrus of all types, along with yogurt, sour cream and cottage cheese were on display. Kraft Foods recently donated a $160,000.00 cold box, which along with their freezer, keeps food fresh. FoodLink has a separate sorting room where they intake food, sort and inspect the same. A new refrigerated truck was recently donated by Walmart to FoodLink, to go along with the rest of their fleet.
FoodLink will take orders from various other non-profits and emergency food pantries and pack up the food in boxes ready for individual families, or may just deliver pallets loaded with food to various communities in Tulare County. Their funding comes from private donations, various corporations and foundations, as well as from the government. Sandy indicated that she writes two to three grant applications per week. Earlier in the year, the City of Visalia contributed $3,000.00, which money is being used to provide fresh fruit and vegetables for the students at Highland Elementary School. Despite their warehouse appearing to be jammed full of food in December, Sandy indicated that their warehouse is usually empty by February. Donations throughout the rest of the year are needed and appreciated. They distribute food to over 100,000 people per year throughout the county. This past summer, FoodLink provided 15,803 free lunches to low-income children in the area. FoodLink is a fabulous organization that provides free farmers’ markets, holiday boxes, summer lunch programs, and works with our schools to provide not only food but nutrition lessons and more. Remember this organization when you are in a position to donate. Their contact information is foodlinktc.org, (559) 651-3663.
Should local government attempt to replicate these services? I would suggest that instead, the better course is for the city and its citizens to support these existing resources and encourage them, rather than duplicate them. More on this important topic in next month’s Direct Magazine, as I report on visits to Visalia Emergency Aid, Visalia Rescue Mission and The Salvation Army.
If you have questions or topics regarding the city which you would like to have addressed in future articles, please email Warren at wgubler@ci.visalia.ca.us, or call (559) 713-4400 x 3313. For past articles, visit directfromwarren.blogspot.com.
Warren Gubler
Visalia City Council Member
