North State Food Bank and Local Drives Support Families for Holidays

The North State Food Bank is stepping up to assist families in need as the holiday season approaches. This week, the food bank will distribute food at two locations: the Biggs Community Center on Friday and the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds in Chico on Saturday. These distributions, scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon, are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. The additional distribution in Chico aims to address delays in SNAP benefits, providing crucial support to local families.

Community Food Drives and Initiatives

In conjunction with the food bank’s efforts, the Chico Food Project has launched a community food drive that began on November 6 and will run through December 12. Donations of non-perishable pantry staples can be dropped off at the Museum of Northern California Art (monca) located at 900 The Esplanade in Chico. The museum is open for donations from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. All collected items will be distributed to local organizations, including the Chico Food Locker, the Jesus Center, and the Hungry Wildcat Food Pantry.

Additionally, the Chico Housing Action Team (CHAT) initiated an “urgent food drive” on November 3 to support over 200 residents affected by the suspension of SNAP benefits. Although those benefits are expected to resume, the food drive will continue for the foreseeable future. Donations of non-perishable food and grocery store gift cards can be made at CHAT’s office at 1095 Nelson Street, Suite 100, in Chico.

Food Pantries Available in Butte County

Butte County hosts several food banks and pantries, providing essential services to those in need. The Community Action Agency of Butte County maintains a comprehensive list of food banks, which can be accessed at buttecaa.com/north-state-food-bank/pantry. Many local pantries are currently operational and welcome both donations and visitors in need of assistance.

In Chico, several food pantries are available, including:

• Safe Space Chico: Open Monday to Friday from noon to 4 p.m. by appointment only at 1909 The Esplanade.
• Hope Commons Food Pantry: Open Mondays from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at 1185 East Avenue.
• Iverson Wellness and Recovery Center: Open on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 492 Rio Linda Avenue.
• South Chico Community Assistance Center: Open on the second and fourth Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m. at 1805 Park Avenue.
• North State Food Bank: Open Wednesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at 895 Virginia Street.
• Shalom Free Clinic: Open Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. at 1010 Mangrove Avenue.
• Chico Community Food Locker: Open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at 1386 Longfellow Avenue.

In Oroville, the following pantries are available:

• Oroville Seventh Day Adventist Church: Open on the last three Tuesdays of every month from 9 to 11 a.m. at 1180 Robinson Street.
• I Am’s Garden: Open Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 13420 Cirby Creek Road.

Residents in Paradise and Magalia can access food assistance at:

• First Baptist Church: Open Fridays from noon to 4 p.m. at 6500 Clark Road.
• First Christian Church: Open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 5738 Pentz Road.
• Magalia Community Church: Open Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 13700 Old Skyway.

In Gridley, the following options are available:

• North State Food Bank: Open Tuesdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 410 Jackson Street.
• Sacred Heart Parish: Open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 1561 Hazel Street.

As the holiday season approaches, these initiatives are vital for many families facing food insecurity. The combined efforts of local organizations reflect a strong community commitment to ensuring that no one goes hungry during this critical time.