Rural Outreach Program
The Catholic Charities Rural Outreach Program is vital in fulfilling our mission to serve all those in need throughout the 8-county, 35,239 square miles of the Diocese of Fresno – especially those who cannot come to one of our brick and mortar sites in Fresno, Merced and Bakersfield.
Our Rural Outreach Program is focused on serving the most impoverished and food insecure areas of rural Central California. Using census data and information that highlights areas below 50% of adequate food distribution needs based upon population size and income, we’ve identified the communities that are most vulnerable throughout the Diocese and utilized partnerships to execute targeted food distribution events.
Last year, we executed over 100 individual and unique outreach events in over 40 communities throughout the San Joaquin Valley.
The distinction of these events compared to others include both trust and culturally-sensitive food items that are distributed. Rural Outreach meal boxes include rice, beans, vegetable oil, salt, tortillas, maseca, chicken and donated fresh fruits and vegetables. Similar to our Food Pantry, it is enough food to sustain a family for approximately one week.
Today, Rural Outreach accounts for 29% of all food distribution taking place by Catholic Charities.
Click the City below for the latest Food Distribution Calendar.
