Assemblymember Dr. Bains honors Apple Core Project Inc. as the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year

• Ashley Endean
• (916) 319-2035
• [email protected]

(SACRAMENTO, CA) - Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains today honored Bakersfield-based Apple Core Project Inc. as the 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year for Assembly District 35.

"Apple Core Project, Inc. exemplifies the best of Kern County: neighbors coming together to uplift one another," said Dr. Bains. "Their hands-on approach to fighting food insecurity, creating innovative programs, and forming strong partnerships is exactly why they were selected as Nonprofit of the Year. They show how local action creates lasting change, and it is an honor to recognize their tireless work and the positive impact they continue to make every day."

This is the 11th year of the California Nonprofit of the Year initiative, a state-wide effort honoring the critical role nonprofit organizations play in California. Each year, state legislators choose a nonprofit from their district to be honored throughout the year, including at an annual awards luncheon at the Capitol in May.

Apple Core Project, Inc. is a community-driven 501(c)(3) organization based in Bakersfield, California, dedicated to fighting food insecurity and strengthening neighborhoods across Kern County. Founded on the belief that access to healthy food is a basic human right, the organization uses a hands-on, grassroots approach that combines sustainable gardening, nutrition education, and direct food distribution to serve underserved populations. At the heart of Apple Core Project is the Grace Street Garden, a community space transformed into a hub for food production, education, and connection. Through this and other initiatives, the organization provides fresh, locally grown food to families, seniors, and individuals facing hardship, while also teaching gardening, cooking, and healthy living skills.

"Apple Core Project, Inc. was built from the ground up by everyday people committed to fighting hunger, creating access, and building a healthier, stronger community through food, education, and compassion," said Jaclyn Allen, Founder of Apple Core Project Inc. "This award is a testament to them."

Through regular food distributions and pantry services, Apple Core Project ensures thousands of residents have access to nutritious food year-round. Their collaborative partnerships with local farms, healthcare providers, and nonprofits help build a sustainable, community-centered food system. The organization's commitment extends beyond food access: they empower residents through workforce development, support for recovery communities, and youth education. By weaving together food, health, and community engagement, Apple Core Project addresses urgent needs and invests in long-term resilience.

In the past year, Apple Core Project has expanded its reach: providing immunizations, launching weekly farmers markets in Bakersfield, and opening a property that serves as transitional housing for women, especially new mothers in recovery or with mental health challenges. This safe haven has already supported more than 18 women and their children. Apple Core Project's innovative, hyper-local strategies and trusted partnerships continue to reshape Kern County, proving that real change is possible when communities come together.

"We are grateful for the work of Apple Core Project, Inc., and want to extend our congratulations for this well-deserved recognition," said Geoff Green, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits), which sponsors the initiative. "Nonprofits are among our country's most trusted organizations and an integral part of civil society. There's likely never been a more important time to lift up the contributions nonprofits make within the communities they serve."

Nonprofits are well known for being problem-solvers, innovators, helpers, and advocates, but they are also a major economic force. According to "Causes Count 3.0," a new report to be released soon by CalNonprofits, the nonprofit sector is now the 3rd-largest employer in the state, with approximately 1.5 million Californians working for nonprofit organizations. Collectively, our state's 110,000 501(c)(3) public charities generate more than $430 billion in revenue each year.

The program is sponsored by CalNonprofits in partnership with the California state Senate and Assembly Select Committees on the Nonprofit Sector. CalNonprofits, the leading policy voice for California's nonprofit sector, focuses on advocacy, education, and research to build a more powerful and politically engaged nonprofit network across the state.

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Dr. Jasmeet Bains represents the 35^th Assembly District in Kern County, including the cities of Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, Arvin, Shafter, and McFarland.