On Friday, Nov. 18, the San Diego Hunger Coalition (SDHC) hosted the 4th annual State of Hunger Luncheon, to present the latest research, data and solutions aimed at addressing hunger in the San Diego region. The event was also a celebration to the successes of the region-wide hunger-relief community.
The SDHC works to bring nonprofit and public service organizations together throughout San Diego to create a hunger-free San Diego. For 45 years, the SDHC has worked to build a more effective system of delivering food assistance resources without leaving gaps.
“This event is really about community. It’s about bringing together and informing members of our community about how we can collectively move forward with solutions to ending hunger in our city and county,” said Anahid Brakke, President & CEO at the San Diego Hunger Coalition. “With inflation causing grocery store prices to skyrocket, our research on hunger and policy-level solutions to address it are also becoming even more relevant.”
One of the initiatives discussed at length at the Nov. 18 luncheon was the SDHC’s Hunger Free Kids initiative.
Data provided by the SDHC shows that 1 in 5 children in the area don’t always have enough food to eat. This affects their ability to concentrate and learn. Access to nutritious meals is linked to better attendance, improved grades and higher graduation rates.
In response, the SDHC provides free technical assistance and support to school districts and nonprofits to implement new youth meal programs and boost participation in existing ones.
SDHC reduces child hunger by working to expand the following strategies:
- Universal Free Meals
- Breakfast After the Bell
- After School Supper
- Summer Meals
“Access to nutritious and healthy food is essential to a child’s ability to learn, thrive, and grow into their full potential. Ending hunger in San Diego for all of us requires a joint effort from elected officials, local organizations and community members,” said Mayra E. Alvarez, M.H.A, President of The Children’s Partnership. “Together, we are stronger and I am honored to participate in the Coalition’s event to prioritize what works and commit to action.”
The SDHC also worked to provide food assistance resources throughout the pandemic, providing families with instructions on how to find food assistance resources.
To learn more, volunteer, or donate to the SDHC, please refer to their webpage, at sandiegohungercoalition.org/.
