Who are we?

The San Diego Hunger Coalition is an independent 501 (c)3 nonprofit committed to eliminating hunger through education, outreach, collaboration, and public policy advocacy.

What do we do?

Our activities focus on three areas: 1) increasing participation in the federal Food Stamp Program, 2) expanding School Meal Programs including School Breakfast and Summer Lunch, and 3) working with elected officials and policymakers to effect systemic changes that will alleviate hunger and promote good nutrition.

Why focus on these areas?

Food Stamps:

According to a recent report from the Food Research and Action Center, San Diego County ranks LAST among large metropolitan areas with regard to Food Stamp participation.  Only 27% of eligible San Diegans are actually enrolled in the program.  This means that almost 3/4 of those who struggle to put food on the table are not taking advantage of this valuable resource.

Additionally, if San Diego increased its participation rate to 100%, at least $144 million additional federal dollars would flow into the local economy.

School Meals:

A recent study by the California Food Policy Advocates stated that only X% of low-income children are eating breakfast at school and that only x% eat at a Summer Lunch site.

Schools with high breakfast participation rates report better academic achievement and fewer behavioral problems, visits to the nurse, and truant students.  Children who eat at Summer Lunch sites have a higher intake of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Working with Elected Officials and Policymakers:

The number of people applying for Food Stamps may increase dramatically, but if the process remains extremely cumbersome, the majority of applicants will not make it to the end and actually enroll.  Additional children may be signed up for School Breakfast, but if their busses arrive after the meal is served, it will not matter.  New Summer Lunch sites may make it easier to access the program, but if the food is unappetizing and goes uneaten, we have not made a difference.

Who are our partners?

We partner with the County of San Diego and approximately 25 local non-profits to conduct Food Stamp outreach and education activities and to streamline the application process.

We team up with the San Diego Unified and Escondido Unified school districts to increase participation in the School Meal Programs.

We collaborate with the San Diego Nutrition Network, the Coalition on Children and Weight San Diego, and those working on our Childhood Obesity Action Plan to promote good nutrition and access to healthy foods.

We work with local, state, and federal officials to promote policies and legislation that will ease the burden on families struggling to meet their nutritional needs.

We engage non-profits and low-income families in advocacy actions to raise public awareness and communicate with elected officials.

We join forces with statewide organizations such as the California Hunger Action Coalition, the California Food Policy Advocates, and the California Association of Food Banks to make our voice even stronger.

Interested in learning more?
Contact us at:

tia@hungeraction.net
619-813-3490
PO Box 83037, San Diego, CA 92138-3037