Overview: Food insecurities
“One in four San Diegans struggled with food insecurity even before the shutdown, and rising costs for housing, medical care, and childcare continue to strain household budgets,”
Even with last month’s end to the record-setting 43-day federal government shutdown, which affected Cal Fresh/SNAP benefits and a bevy of other programs, some people across San Diego are still dealing with ongoing or first-time food insecurities.
The recent shutdown resulted in some 900,000 federal workers being furloughed, with around two million going without paychecks.
“One in four San Diegans struggled with food insecurity even before the shutdown, and rising costs for housing, medical care, and childcare continue to strain household budgets,” said Tom Stewart with Jewish Family Service. “During our drive-through distributions, we heard from San Diegans who shared that the food they received helped free up limited income for other essential expenses like rent, medical costs, and childcare.
“Because that need has not gone away, we made the decision to continue these food distributions and open them to all members of the community.
Stewart added that they hear daily about challenges faced by many San Diegans concerning basic essentials, affordable housing, and the recent government shutdown and subsequent delays in CalFresh and SNAP benefits.
“To help relieve some of their stress, we offer nutritional support, delivered meals, and distributed food to seniors and families year-round,” he said.
For older adults, JFS offers a pair of weekly congregate dining options to encourage socialization and community.
JFS also offers a hot lunch Monday through Friday at Bayside Community Center in Linda Vista and the San Diego LGBT Community Center in Hillcrest.
For older adults who need home-delivered, nutritious meals, the JFS Foodmobile program brings compassion, kindness, and a healthy peace of mind.
They also hosts two community food distributions open to any San Diegan in need of food, offering a monthly food distribution at Ohr Shalom Synagogue in Bankers Hill and a weekly food distribution on Fridays in Downtown San Diego.
In addition, JFS hosts monthly drive-through food distributions on the second Sunday of each month from 4–5:30 p.m. at the Joan & Irwin Jacobs Campus, providing fresh produce, protein, and shelf-stable food.
Their most recent drive-thru distribution on Dec. 14 served 125 households. The next distribution will be on Sunday, Jan. 11.
Food isn’t the only necessity this time of year. JFS is doing its part to make Christmas a little merrier for children.
“Many families who are having a hard time making ends meet are unable to provide holiday presents for their children,” Stewart said. “JFS recently hosted a toy drive in partnership with Geppetto’s Toy Store, and served 200 families who are enrolled in our programs. Parents selected toys for each of their children in JFS’s toy shop, offering dignity and choice for each family.”
Details can be found at jfssd.org.
Pain was being felt before the shutdown
Whether it is food, toys, or other such items, the need for such things did not just happen overnight.
Some San Diegans have been worrying about how they will make ends meet for some time now. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can add to that stress.
The San Diego Food Bank‘s Arika Daniels said SDFB continues to witness a high level of need, with roughly 850,000 San Diego residents currently experiencing food insecurity.
“The holiday season is historically when we see the greatest number of food requests from our nonprofit partners and neighbors in need, as the holidays can be an especially tough time for many in our community,” Daniels said.
“Rising grocery prices — up about 30% compared to before the pandemic — and a 4.4% increase in food costs in San Diego County since last year make it even harder for families to put meals on the table.
“Knowing that, this is also the time of year when we see supporters step up the most, helping us stock our pantries to sustain families through the winter and beyond, making financial donations, and lending their time.”
Like Stewart at Jewish Family Service, Daniels said San Diego Food Bank is also seeing a need for help despite the federal government shutdown being over with.
“Yes, even with the government shutdown over, many San Diegans are still grappling with food insecurity,” Daniels said.“Families impacted by furloughs and reduced work hours continue to feel the ripple effects.”
She said that the San Diego Food Bank has 450 distribution sites countywide, and provides resources such as a GPS Food Locator Map so that residents can quickly find assistance.
How can the public help?
“Some of the greatest food needs we’re seeing include protein-rich items like canned meats, beans, rice, peanut butter, and oats… families also need shelf-stable produce and pantry staples to prepare balanced meals,” said Daniels.
“It’s also important to the San Diego Food Bank to provide fresh produce — about 44% of the food we distribute is nutritious, fresh fruits and vegetables.”
It is often around the holiday season that many San Diegans do what they can to make the holidays a little better for others locally.
“During this time of year, many San Diegans feel a deep pull to respond — to turn compassion into action and help repair what feels broken in our world,” JFS’s Tom Stewart added.
“JFS encourages people to follow that instinct by supporting trusted organizations that meet real needs close to home and turn generosity into lasting impact.
Stewart said that donations made at JFSSD.org will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $250,000 through Dec. 31.
“For those who want to give their time and presence, volunteering is a powerful way to show up for our neighbors,” Stewart said.
“Volunteers with JFS serve warm meals to individuals and families staying in our Safe Parking Program as they work toward stable housing, helping create moments of safety, connection, and hope.
“Each act — whether large or small — helps strengthen our community and reminds people that they are not alone.”
San Diego Food Bank says they have plenty of opportunities for people to help as well.
“Making a financial donation is one of the most impactful ways, as every dollar provides about two meals for local families,” Danield said. “People can also purchase $5 Hunger Bags at your local Albertsons, Vons, or Pavilions, organize virtual food drives through the Food Bank’s website, or host or contribute to food drives
While the holiday season will be a challenge for some San Diegans, Jewish Family Service and San Diego Food Bank are just two of the organizations showing that the local community does care and want to help.
