Farmers and ranchers donating food to state food banks

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Hungry people across the state are getting fed, thanks to California farmers and ranchers.

December is Farm to Food Bank month.

Wednesday morning, locally grown fruits, vegetables and nuts were donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank in San Jose.

The event highlights the needs of people who don't have guaranteed meals. And it can happen in any neighborhood - even in the affluent Silicon Valley.

"About 15 percent of our population is food insecure, meaning at any point in the year, there isn't enough money for them to buy good, nutritious food for themselves and their families. One in 6 Californians suffer from that," said Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

"Our hope is to increase total donations from California farmers from where they currently are, which is about 140 million pounds, to as much as 200 million pounds of food a year, that would be an incredible gift for hungry people across the state," explained Kathy Jackson, the CEO of the Second Harvest Food Bank.

More locally grown fruits, vegetables and nuts will be trucked in on Thursday.