Eastern Madera County residents get food help during coronavirus pandemic
MONDAY, MARCH 30, UPDATE: The county in a news release announced that Chukchansi casino and other newly-added sites will no longer distribute food boxes.
“Given the increased demand for emergency food boxes provided by the Madera County Food Bank, distribution sites have returned to the county’s original 16 pick-up locations.
“Last week, Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, the Oakhurst Community Center and the Wasuma Elementary School were added as distribution sites in an effort to further serve Eastern Madera County residents. The overwhelming response and unpredictability of how many residents will arrive at varying location, coupled with the extremely limited supplies across multiple sites, has proven to be a challenge.
“As a result, distribution at Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, the Oakhurst Community Center and Wasuma Elementary School has been postponed until a more viable solution may be found that ensures no one in need of support walks away without resources.
“Those in need of emergency food or would like to donate to the Madera County Food Bank are encouraged to contact 559-674-2992.”
ORIGINAL STORY: Eastern Madera County residents in need of help during the coronavirus pandemic can get free food boxes at three distribution locations in the Mountain Area including Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino.
The casino made the announcement Wednesday.
“It’s important to continue to serve our community as much as we can in these unprecedented circumstances,” said Deann Kamalani, the director of marketing for the casino. “While our doors are temporarily closed, our hearts go out to everyone impacted by COVID-19. And we want to help ensure those who find themselves in need don’t go hungry during these challenging times.
“Our community will get through this, and until then, we are committed to doing what we can to help.”
Chukchansi temporarily closed its casino Friday.
Madera Food Bank is providing the food supplies, which are limited and intended to support residents in the mountain communities of eastern Madera County. Recipients must be a Madera County resident and provide a valid ID (driver’s license, state ID or form of Madera county residency).
Food items include canned goods, cheese, meat, beans, noodles, sauce, juice, nuts and dried fruit. There is a limit of one box per family/car/residential address per week.
Chukchansi’s distribution efforts began this week and will remain open to Madera County residents Tuesdays and Thursdays 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. until further notice.
The pick-up site is located at the casino’s open-air porte cochere, located at 711 Lucky Lane in Coarsegold. Additional locations are the Oakhurst Community Center and the Wasuma Elementary School parking lot.
Should any distribution site run out, those in need are encouraged to visit another location or contact the Manna House at 559-683-6262.
Sponsors include The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians, Manna House, Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst, the office of Madera County Supervisor Tom Wheeler and the Mountain Area Youth Organization.
This story was originally published March 25, 2020 at 9:55 PM.
