Camarillo Acorn
November 1st, 2025
By David Goldstein
NP Despite the economic challenges facing many households, Americans still spent almost $4 billion on Halloween candy this year, according to the trade publication Candy and Snack Today. Prices for the sweet stuff increased compared to last year, partly because of rising chocolate costs. Cocoa crops in Africa have suffered from both drought and flooding, making the key ingredient more expensive.
The economics of Halloween candy contrasts sharply with a tougher reality for many—a need underscored by World Food Day last week. For some, not only is candy out of reach, but nutritious food remains unaffordable year-round. Even in Ventura County, one in four residents struggles with food insecurity, according to Food Share, the region’s food bank.
Meeting this challenge requires both direct aid to families and innovation in food recovery— incentives such as low-interest loans, grants, and technical assistance. RMDZ is focusing on expanding opportunities to keep food out of the waste stream.
One of these organizations, Saticoy Food Hub, received CalRecycle-funded RMDZ assistance to test whether increased promotion could boost participation in its community refrigerator program. The program allows people with surplus food that meets health guidelines to place it in the refrigerator, where those in need can take what they need. Before expanding, Saticoy Food Hub needed new equipment. The RMDZ program funded the purchase of a modern, energy-efficient, three-door refrigerator to replace an old, household style model.
The results were immediate. Before the upgrade, the program served an average of 416 households per month. After the new refrigerator was installed and outreach expanded, that number rose to 618 households per month, and food donations increased by 25 percent. Even with the larger unit, energy costs dropped because the new glass-door design lets users see what’s inside without opening the doors.
Another part of the project focused on community outreach to local food entrepreneurs, showing them that RMDZ can support their growth as well. Five small local producers— making products such as jam, honey, blended juices, and barbecue sauce—expressed interest in expanding after learning about available assistance. These businesses currently operate under cottage food licenses, which restrict them to shelf-stable goods. Their growth depends on access to commercial kitchen space. With RMDZ guidance, Saticoy Food Hub is exploring plans to rent existing commercial kitchens during off-hours, creating new business opportunities while supporting hunger relief.
Food Share, Ventura County’s largest food distribution nonprofit, is also expanding its capacity with RMDZ help. The organization’s warehouse operations were limited by manual handling and traditional forklifts. With partial RMDZ funding, Food Share purchased a powered counterbalanced stacker—a safer, more maneuverable piece of equipment that volunteers can use without special certification. The stacker’s built-in scale allows donations to be weighed and processed more efficiently, improving sorting and loading operations.
The impact is clear: faster, safer food handling means more donations accepted and distributed.
Halloween spending highlights how easy it can be to indulge, while World Food Day reminds us of the importance of sharing. Hunger is both a global and local issue, but Ventura County’s innovators— from nonprofit volunteers to small business owners —are showing how creativity, partnership, and sustainability can ensure food reaches those who need it most.
David Goldstein, environmental resource analyst with the Ventura County Public Works Agency, can be reached at david.goldstein@ventura.org or 805-658-
4312.
https://www.thecamarilloacorn.com/articles/candy-prices-can-be-tricky-but-helping-others-is-a-treat/
