The Golden Nest Food and Basic Needs Center, located at Lemoore College, was recently
recognized by the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce as Organization of the Year, honoring
the college’s commitment to supporting student well-being and success through access
to essential resources.
The Golden Nest provides Lemoore College students with food assistance, basic needs support, and referrals to campus and community services, helping address food insecurity and other challenges that can affect academic persistence and completion.
“This recognition from the Lemoore Chamber of Commerce affirms the heart of what Lemoore College stands for, meeting students where they are and ensuring they have the support they need to succeed,” said James Preston, president of Lemoore College. “The Golden Nest reflects the dedication of our staff, faculty and community partners who work every day to remove barriers and create opportunities for our students.”
At a recent West Hills Community College District Board of Trustees retreat, Amber Avitia, director of Basic Needs and Community Engagement at Lemoore College and leader of the Golden Nest, shared data highlighting the center’s impact from fall 2023 through spring 2025. During that period, the Golden Nest recorded 58,049 individual pantry visits and 14,649 family visits, distributing more than 532,000 pounds of food to students and their families. Pantry usage nearly doubled, increasing from 11,202 visits in fall 2023 to 22,004 visits in spring 2025.
These outcomes reflect the collective efforts of Lemoore College’s Golden Eagle team in partnership with Kings Community Action Organization, CalViva Health and the Central California Food Bank.
The Golden Nest serves as a centralized, welcoming space on campus where students can access free groceries, hygiene items, and information about housing, transportation, and other critical resources. By addressing basic needs, the center plays a key role in supporting student retention, equity and academic achievement.
In addition to the Chamber recognition, Lemoore College will continue to support the Golden Nest through its upcoming Golden Evening Under the Stars fundraiser. Proceeds from the event will directly benefit the Golden Nest Food and Basic Needs Center and help expand services for students in need.
Golden Evening Under the Stars will take place Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Lemoore College, 555 College Ave. in Lemoore. The evening will feature local wine and beer, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and an art display beneath the stars. Live music will be provided by the Brown Sugar Band.
“Events like Golden Evening Under the Stars allow our community to directly invest in students and the services that help them stay focused on their education,” Preston said. “Every contribution strengthens our ability to support students facing food insecurity and other basic needs challenges.”
Tickets are $70 and are available online at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-evening-under-the-stars-tickets-1981664078604?aff=oddtdtcreator
Community members, alumni, and partners are encouraged to attend and support this important cause.
For more information about the Golden Nest Food and Basic Needs Center, visit lemoorecollege.edu.