BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Local agencies in Bakersfield are stepping up to help families with food insecurities during spring break.

For many families, school is mostly education. But for others, it also provides much-needed meals for their children. So when class is not in session, it can be a hardship.

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On Wednesday, there was a line to get into the CAPK Food Bank. The pantry is open year-round, but when kids are out of school, it tends to have more guests.

“It’s hard because a lot of folks just rely on that one meal at lunch sometimes,” said Ashley Padron, volunteer coordinator at CAPK Food Bank. “So being able to help bridge that gap, even just for spring break or even for the summer when it comes up, means a lot.”

Children, who would usually be at school, showed up at the pantry with their families in hopes of getting something they needed — food.

“You can get goods like meat, eggs, veggies,” Padron said. “We have spaghetti, we have Mac and Cheese — Top Ramen. What we like about the choice pantry is that it’s your choice, as opposed to us giving you a box and hoping it works. You can come and choose what’s right for you and your family.”

A mother of three said local food pantries are a big help when school is not in session. Some families don’t have a budget for five or more extra meals throughout the week. So, for them, there are emergency boxes.

“They’ll have cereal, or oatmeal, spaghetti, veggies, fruit — just essentials that will help them, keep them through the next week or so,” Padron said.

Volunteers at the food bank encouraged the community to use the food bank if they need it.

“You’re not alone. It’s hard, especially right now with everything going up,” Padron said. “But there are resources available to help you. There’s never any shame in asking for help.”

CAPK’s food pantry is open from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, click here.

For people in need of a hot meal on the spot, St. Vincent de Paul Bakersfield gives out cooked food daily, such as beef stew and bread.

“We actually serve three meals a day,” said John Thompson, a staff member at the St. Vincent de Paul Center. “At 8:30, lunch at 11:30, and then we do a 2:30 meal.”

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He said it’s not unusual to see families during spring break.

“We did send some lunch to a father and a mother earlier today to take to their children,” Thompson said.

St. Vincent de Paul Center is located at 316 Baker St. Click here for more information.

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