Hunger isn’t limited to faraway places. In fact, more people in San Diego County are affected by hunger than were evacuated during the recent wildfires.
An estimated 270,000 people in the county will go to bed hungry tonight “” 110,000 of them children, according to a UCLA study on health in California.
The figure is confirmed by Jim Jackson, executive director of the San Diego Food Bank.
Jackson and the Food Bank constantly fight the battle against hunger.
“Today, and every day of the year, we distribute enough food for 22,000 meals a day,” he said.
To accomplish that, the food bank works with 260 organizations throughout San Diego County, from large social services to small bed-and-care facilities.
During the holiday season, bright red barrels to collect donations catch the eyes of shoppers in supermarkets such as Vons, Albertsons and Stumps. But, according to Jackson, “Hunger knows no season.”
The need for food continues year-round, he said.
“The holiday food drive is very successful but it doesn’t last that long,” he said.
However, donations continue to come in. Supermarkets continue to help throughout the year. Vons sends a truckload of food each week and Albertsons donates similarly.
Volunteers help supplement the food bank’s staff of 20.
“We’re delighted to have volunteers,” Jackson said. “That makes it a real community effort and essentially doubles our staff.”
Individuals are encouraged to volunteer their time working in the large warehouse where donated food is stored ” sorting food or shelving it. Businesses bring volunteers in groups, along with many clubs and organizations that encourage members to help others. Troops of Brownies and Cub Scouts and many others volunteer, along with other individuals.
In town for the recent Poinsettia Bowl, midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy also went to the Food Bank to volunteer their time.
Awareness of hunger alleviation is growing. Jackson notes that several San Diego schools have integrated the hunger problem into their curricula.
One such school is La Jolla Country Day, where their community service program has taught students to be better citizens of the community and the world, inspiring them to care about others. The program, which has been going for the past 20 years, includes an annual food drive that brings in many pounds of food to fight hunger in the San Diego community.
To be part of the solution to the hunger problem, residents should remain aware that the Food Bank welcomes donations of time, money and food.
To volunteer, call coordinator Kathy Dunn, (858) 527-1419, extension 28.
To donate food, bring it to the San Diego Food Bank warehouse, 9850 Distribution Ave., during receiving hours Monday through Friday.
Foods should be nonperishable and not outdated. There is a great need for proteins, such as canned tuna or canned beef stew.
For more information, visit www.sandiegofoodbank.org.