Our Story
In February 1985, a Bible study group of four men reflected on the goodness The Lord had brought to their lives and the debt of gratitude they felt. They were inspired to do something in return. Their vision was to glean from local farms and fields the estimated 300 million pounds of food that was going to waste annually and to establish a neighborhood food pantry from which food could be distributed to the needy. A site was found and leaders stepped forward to purchase a warehouse. The Gleaners organization had quite miraculously become operational within six months of the group’s humble idea.
By the end of 1985, over 75,000 pounds of food had been distributed.
The original Food Bank was located at 2030 14th Street, Bakersfield. In 2000, the Golden Empire Gleaners relocated to its current location at 1326 30th Street - off the Garces traffic circle in Bakersfield.
Throughout its 35 year history the, Golden Empire Gleaners has fed millions of Kern County residents. Last year alone, over 200,000 people were served by distributing two million pounds of food.
Currently, the Gleaners serves an average of 7,500 people per month.
​
All operating funding is received via donations and grants from generous community members and partners. We do not receive or accept any government funding or grants.
All Fund Raising goes directly to the Golden Empire Gleaners. 100% of all money raised starts here and
stays here.
We are a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization.
Like us on Facebook at
www.facebook.com/GoldenEmpireGleaners/
We believe there is enough food for everyone and there need not be hunger anywhere in Kern County.
Where Do We Get Our Food?
The Golden Empire Gleaners does not pay for food. All our food is donated. We work with local grocery stores including Vons, Albertsons, Costco, Food Maxx, Foods Co., and Sprouts. We also hold large community food drives including KGET TV, Kern County Cares, Stamp Out Hunger and Oil Can Do It. We also receive donations from small businesses, community food drives, other food banks, and general donations.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help alleviate hunger and provide food for those in need in the Kern County community. We accomplish this by collecting and distributing food and agricultural products that might otherwise go to waste. Through the help of our referring agencies, we are able to distribute food to needy children, senior citizens, families in crisis, people who are ill, disabled, homeless or unemployed, and others determined by the board of directors to be eligible.
​
Our generous sponsors and community members help us make a huge impact on our community.
We simply could not do what we do without your support.
​
• The Golden Empire Gleaners (GEG) has served the County of Kern since 1985.
• We provide food to well over 7,500 families/individuals each month
• The GEG distributes nearly 2,000,000 pounds
of food every year.
​
• We serve 17 senior/community centers in Kern County, 2X each month with the Senior Sack program.