Renegade Pantry Brings Awareness to Funding Cuts That Could Affect Food Access at BC
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
The Renegade Pantry hosted a press conference this week to increase public awareness of the state funding cuts to CalFood that could affect the pantry’s day-to-day operations. CalFood provides direct support to Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK), who supplies food for the Renegade Pantry. The program is facing a possible funding reduction from $80 million to $8 million dollars - a drop of 90%. This could reduce food purchasing and distribution statewide, including having a direct effect on BC’s renegade Pantry.
Jared Call, Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at California Association of Food Banks, talked about the significance of their work and the impact of the budget cuts. “We currently have 43 food banks in our network that provide services for all 58 counties in California,” he said, “and we are here to talk about the CalFood Program and the importance of decision-makers in Sacramento fully funding the program adequately to meet the need of food banks around California.” He also highlighted the projected increase in need for food assistance and the severity of the budget reductions, “Right now, our food bank network is serving 6 million people per month across the state. That is up from 4.5 million people a month during the pandemic – so the need has increased,” he said, “and the governor, in his initial budget proposal, only put in $8 million dollars to fund the program. That is a 90% cut from what the network received last year. So, were calling on legislators to fully fund CalFood to meet the surging need we are going to see next year.”
Dr. Cesar Jimenez, Vice President of Student Services at BC, shared his support of the CalFood program while emphasizing its importance to the BC community. “Our students have food insecurities. How can we make sure our students do well academically when they are hungry?” he said, “Our pantry is able to address food insecurity by providing access to food. Our partnership with CAPK is absolutely significant. So, my call to action for our legislators to fully fund the CalFood program.”
Hunter Moore, BCSGA Vice President and current BC student, talked about the impact that the budget cuts could have for students. “I urge our legislators to adequately fund CalFood and CAPK because it makes a difference in students’ lives,” he said, “the last thing students need to worry about is when their next meal is going to be. By drastically cutting funding, it is going make it difficult, not just for the students, but for the community as well.” He also emphasized that the Renegade Pantry was an invaluable resource, not only for himself, but for his fellow BC students.
The Renegade Pantry has become a significant resource for the BC community by providing daily nutrition support and by hosting a monthly Farmer’s Market that provides fresh food items to students and community members. You can provide support by contacting your local a state dignitary to let them know of the important services this entity provides for you, your student, your family, neighbors, etc. Thank you for supporting Bakersfield College and our mission to support each student that sets foot on campus.
