Tulare Emergency Aid Council, Inc. has been enriching the lives of all who pass our way for 62 years, providing sustaining services to the working poor, the hungry and homeless. The organization has tremendous support from the Community. Even with this support, TEAC is not without challenges. We have seen an increase in the need for services to the working poor and their families in Tulare. Due to the worst drought in over 500 years in California, many farmers are letting their fields set idle affecting thousands of workers. Not only farm workers, but truckers, diesel suppliers, packing suppliers; the types of jobs affected continue to grow. Food prices are increasing and the worst is yet to come. We have seen major increases in "new" families coming to the pantry for the first time EVER needing our assistance.
Brief History about our Organization:
Tulare Emergency Aid Council was established by the local PTA (now known as PTO), Tulare City Schools and a consortium of local Tulare churches in 1954 to become the umbrella organization which would coordinate aid to the disadvantaged and help prevent overuse and abuse of the system.
Tulare Emergency Aid has strong community support. During 2015, approximately 78% of our revenue was generated by individuals, civic sources and local businesses. Add to this, our organization logged in nearly 4,800 hours of volunteer time. We have incredible volunteers who faithfully come and help stock the pantry, bag food for distribution, assist with client intake, and sort through donated items. Many of our volunteers came to us for aid themselves. Because of their appreciation for assistance during their own "time of need" they volunteer in order to “re-gift” to help other families who are in need. Tulare Emergency Aid is a collaborative partner with many community organizations including Salvation Army, Lighthouse Rescue Mission, and Tulare Volunteer Bureau. Major Donors include, Southern California Edison, Catholic Charities, Tulare Rotary Foundation, and Tulare Association of Churches are major donors of our organization. We are governed by a nine member, all volunteer, Board of Directors and have an amazing paid staff of two.
Families with School Aged Children:
Food insecurity is harmful to all people, but it is particularly devastating to children. Proper nutrition is critical to a child’s development. Not having enough of the right kinds of food can have serious implications for a child’s physical and mental health, academic achievement and future economic prosperity. Client households, with children, report purchasing the cheapest food available, even if they knew it wasn’t the healthiest option, in an effort to provide enough food for their household. Consequently, one in five kids is facing greater obstacles to reaching their fullest potential. The future of America lies in our children. When hunger threatens the future of a child, it threatens the future of our nation as well.