BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Families in Kern County continue to struggle to put food on the table — and the evidence is clear on California Avenue, where thousands lined up early this morning to make sure their families get something to eat.

Stay Focused Ministries, a nonprofit that has served communities across California and nationwide for more than 35 years, is seeing record turnout at its Bakersfield food distribution site.

Volunteers spent the morning managing lines that wrapped around the block a visible consequence of the ongoing government shutdown and delays in federal food assistance programs.

“Not getting enough food to eat because I run out,” said Linda Perkins, who has been on disability since 1984. “That’s why I come to these giveaways.”

Perkins says she depends on CalFr

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