As San Diego Hunger Awareness Month comes to a close, food programs have noted an increase in demand while inflation is also constricting how much food they have on hand to give.

Father Joe’s Villages’ Emergency Food Pantry continues to do critical work feeding hungry San Diegans— even as inflation affects both the supply and demand of donated foods.

In 2021, Father Joe’s Villages distributed an average of 1,200 food boxes per month. In 2022, that figure is expected to exceed 2,000 boxes per month. The homeless services provider expects to distribute 6,000 more boxes of food than in 2021, for a total of 24,000, indicating that rising food prices are causing more San Diegans to face food insecurity.

Inflation is also affecting the availability of food at local food banks. Food inventories at the San Diego Food Bank are lower than usual. Furthermore, protein is in short supply and Father Joe’s Villages will need to purchase protein items in the coming months.

“As food prices increase across the country and here at home, many San Diegans are finding it harder to put food on the table,” said Deacon Jim Vargas, president and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages. “We are happy to be able to provide nutritious options to people who are in need, through our food pantry program, especially during this time of economic uncertainty.”

The Emergency Food Pantry is part of Father Joe’s Villages’ efforts to prevent homelessness and food insecurity in San Diego as inflation rises. Members of the community can receive food packages containing nonperishable foods, fresh produce, and other necessities such as adult and children’s diapers through the programs.

The San Diego Food Bank, Feeding San Diego, and other donors who make the program possible, such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which recently donated 12 pallets of nonperishable food items, provide food and essential items.

“We often hear from people that the Emergency Food Pantry helps them survive and keep a roof over their heads,” said David MacGregor-Lambert, purchasing manager. “Without the support of Father Joe’s Villages, many of them might face even greater financial challenges. The food pantry also allows us to connect with people who may be in need of other services at Father Joe’s Villages, like housing and shelter, making it a crucial resource for the community.”

Other organizations have also been fundraising to keep kids fed. Mission Fed Credit Union partnered with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank for the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program. This important program provides weekend backpacks filled with food to local elementary school students living in poverty who have little or no food over the weekends when free school meals are unavailable.

“We’re asking for a minimum donation of $7 to feed one child for one weekend,” said Neville Billimoria, SVP, Marketing & Community Relations at Mission Fed. “But we know, and we have seen time and time again how generous our members, our staff and the greater San Diego community are – particularly when it comes to the kids. Food insecurity is a cause near and dear to our hearts and we thoroughly enjoy supporting this important effort.”

Residents with spare income can donate at any Mission Fed location through the end of September and at SanDiegoFoodBank.org year round.