This area leads the nation in the year-round production of a variety of crops, including oranges, lemons, carrots, raisins, olives, and nuts. Late in December 1998, a week of freezing temperatures destroyed millions of dollars worth of crops, particularly citrus fruits. As a result, laid-off farm workers, living paycheck to paycheck, had difficulty feeding their families and paying their mortgages or rents and utilities. Receiving a grant from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and One Great Hour of Sharing, members in the Presbytery of San Joaquin quickly moved to provide food and assistance to those who did not qualify for other types of aid. Individual congregations in towns such as Ivanhoe, Lemoncove, Lindsay, Strathmore, Terra Bella, and Woodlake became personally involved in the distribution of resources and the love of Christ, assisted by Hispanic Commissioned Lay Pastors Juan Gutierrez and Mario Mota, who helped to identify the needs.
Recovery time is slow as the people wait for the next year's growing season.