BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Thanks to the annual Kern County Cares Canned Food drive, more than 150,000 pounds of canned food were donated to the Golden Empire Gleaners in order to help fight hunger.

Employees from several County departments donated canned food items and monetary donations to the food drive. The goal was to beat 2018s results of of 83,000 pounds by raising 100,000 pounds of canned food items. In total the food drive raised 153,063 pounds.

The drive also raised $17,708.00 in funds through donations and the 4th Annual "Scramble For Food" golf tournament, benefiting the Golden Empire Gleaners.

The Golden Empire Gleaners is a private non-profit food bank, dedicated to alleviating hunger in Kern County.

They provide food to those in need by collecting and distributing food and agricultural products that might otherwise go to waste.

For 29 years, the County has supported the Gleaners through the help of this food drive.