Critical food shortage in Tulare County

TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) -- Food Link executive director Sandy Beals says they've already run out of the 17,000 food boxes they received as part of emergency drought relief from the state for June. July's request for 21,000 boxes has still not been approved, though the state has promised a 5,000 box advance this week. If it comes Tuesday, it may only get the non-profit through the weekend.

In fact, Food Link had to take back from organizations they gave to earlier this month, to help them get through the summer. What they do have, will be distributed to the Woodville labor camp, and even then, they'll be short by 800, 800 families that Beals says will be left hungry.

Inside the food boxes, there's a referral for food stamps, but Beals says Tulare County is already saturated with food stamps recipients. The need is greater than officials expected. The food bank is finding itself overwhelmed during a time of year when donations are normally low.

Watch the video for extended coverage from Action News reporter Jessica Peres.