PROGRAM SERVICES
We acquire food through both donations and bulk purchases and provide this consistent supply of nutritious foods to our families with children, seniors, and veterans monthly.
Food Pantry
VEA’s primary program is our food pantry which provides supplemental nutritious groceries to low-income families in homes within Tulare County. Through our pantry located in the heart of Visalia, staff and volunteers work together to receive and distribute supplemental food to over 1200 families each month, putting food on the tables of children within our community. Through our involvement with Feeding America and USDA VEA can distribute over 1,000,000 lbs. of healthy fresh vegetables, dairy, and protein products as well as other staples to low-income families, individuals, seniors, and veterans each year. The food pantry also assists with clothing, personal–care items, infant care, and household products when available.
Mobile Markets
VEA provides families in rural Tulare County access to nutritious foods. VEA mobile food pantry serves the rural communities of Goshen and Ivanhoe, CA. Partnering with Central California Food Bank (CCFB) this program serves over 400 families each month with fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods. (Times and dates are subject to change.)
Goshen, Family Health Care Network
3rd Wednesday of each month
7210 Ave 308
Goshen, CA
Ivanhoe Walnut Grove Assembly
4th Wednesday of each month
32576 Road 160
Ivanhoe, CA
Groceries2Go
Through Visalia Emergency Aid’s partnership with Central California Food Bank, we can assist up to 100 families through Groceries2Go every 3rd and 4th Saturday of each month at our Food Pantry. This program is a drive-thru service and is by appointment only. Access to food in this way is ideal for those who are unable to visit the pantry during the work week, disabled, or those with small children.
Holiday Distribution
In collaboration with the Visalia Breakfast Lions Club, Visalia Breakfast Rotary Club, and many other partners over 1,000 Holiday food baskets are distributed through the months of November and December; 500 turkeys plus all the fixings, 150 bicycles with helmets, and many “over” stuffed Christmas Stockings are given away to families and children in our community.
HOMELESSNESS PREVENTION
Emergency Food and Shelter Program (FEMA)
VEA receives EFSP funding on an annual basis to assist in the areas of homelessness prevention and hunger relief . This resource is a federal government funded program that provides help to qualified applicants who are in a state of crisis. Funds can be used to pay housing expenses such as rent in order to stop an imminent eviction or to help pay utility bills to avoid disconnect or shut off of services. For more information, please call our Family Service Center (559) 732-0101
VEA Thrift Store
VEA Thrift Store Voucher Program makes available free clothing and household items to low-income families through referrals from our many partner agencies within the county. Serving from a 14,000 sq. ft. building located in North Visalia our store is a key funding source for our food pantry and program services. The thrift store offers affordable clothing, furniture and household items and has a voucher program for those most in need. The vouchers are used to assist low income families and others in various circumstances of need by offering merchandise at reduced or no cost. This program is widely used by our community partners: Visalia Unified School District, Visalia District Attorney’s office, Visalia Police Department, Visalia Women’s Shelter, and other Emergency Service Agencies just to name just a few.
Seniors Helping Seniors
VEA administers the Senior Pride Program which assists fixed income seniors 65 or older and living alone with food, utilities, and rental assistance funded through the Visalia Senior Center “Senior Pride Bingo Games”.
Veterans Basic Need Program
VEA purposefully reaches out to local veteran’s groups and actively searches out veterans and their families who may be struggling with food insecurity or are in fear of becoming homeless. VEAC considers it a priority to assist those who have served our country so proudly.
VISION CARE – Sight First
Funded through Lions International, VEA assists children in need of vision testing and glasses. Local Lions Clubs partner with VEA and medical professionals to screen young children, primary school students, and adults to identify those at risk for vision loss. It has been proven that early identification leads to timely referral, professional treatment, and improved or restored sight.
To learn more about our programs or if you have additional questions, please call us at 559-732-0101.