LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The Lake County Fair and local volunteers are once again joining hearts and hands to stock local food pantries.
Hunger is a serious issue in Lake County. This summer, county churches and the Lake County Fair are partnering to become part of the solution at the third annual Lake County CAN event.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, visitors can receive free admission to the Lake County Fair by donating four nonperishable food items per person.
Last year almost 300 cases of food were collected, as 2,210 people brought four or more cans.
In Lake County, 18 percent of the population lives below the poverty level.
Approximately 26.1 percent of the children in Lake County live below the poverty level, and almost 50 percent of the children living in Lake County are eligible for free or reduced meals. In some cities around the lake it is more than 90 percent.
Volunteers are needed to help to sort, pack and deliver the food donations from 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 31 at Mendo Mill, located at 2465 S. Main St. in Lakeport. In 2013, more than 100 people helped.
If you would like to lend a hand, contact one of the participating organizations or come to Mendo Mill.
Local partners in Lake County CAN include United Christian Parish in Lakeport, Upper Lake United Methodist Church, Kelseyville United Methodist Church, Clearlake Oaks Community United Methodist Church, Lower Lake Community United Methodist Church, Middletown United Methodist Church, Recovery Ministries in Lucerne, Lucerne Alpine Senior Center, Galilee Lutheran Church and the Lake County Bible Fellowship.
Sponsors for the event include the Lake County Fair, United Methodist Communications, Mendo Mill and Lake County News.