Struggling during the shutdown?

Members of our community are facing food insecurity as a result of the ongoing government shutdown. Data from October showed more than 395,000 San Diegans receive CalFresh (SNAP) benefits, which paused on Nov. 1. In the days leading up to the pause, California’s state government fast-tracked $80 million in state funds to help support food banks. Over the weekend, the federal government was ordered to resume SNAP benefit payments using contingency funds. However, all of this funding is in flux — we’re not sure when benefits will be distributed, or how long they’ll last if the government remains shut down.

Many local organizations like Feeding San Diego and the San Diego Food Bank are working hard to ensure San Diegans don’t go hungry. Here is where you can find help in our neighborhood:

• The Pacific Beach United Methodist Church distribution center at 1561 Thomas Ave. is open on Wednesdays from 4 to 5 p.m. 
• There are multiple food banks within 2 miles of 92109. You can learn more and search by keyword at this link.
  

Stretch your SNAP benefits further by shopping at the PB Farmer’s Market on Tuesdays from 2 to 7 p.m. If you take out EBT cash at the information booth, you’ll get a Market Match of up to $15 to use on fruits and veggies from local vendors. And a pro-tip: Much of the produce goes on sale toward the end of the day. But don’t tell them I told you that.

If you’d like to donate money, time or food to help support your neighbors, learn more at the San Diego Food Bank or Feeding San Diego websites. They have information on food donation centers, virtual food drives, monetary donations, volunteer opportunities and more. There are plenty of ways to get involved!

It’s up to us to support our community. We’re fortunate to get to do it with views like this.

Be well!