#United States #San Diego #food assistance #nutrition insecurity #San Diego Hunger Coalition

The Rising Tide of Hunger in San Diego

In the latest Annual State of Hunger report released by the San Diego Hunger Coalition, a troubling trend has come to light: more than one in four residents in San Diego County are grappling with hunger. This alarming statistic translates to approximately 850,000 individuals struggling to secure adequate nutrition, a figure not witnessed since the challenging early days of the pandemic.

Understanding the Crisis

According to the report, the surge in hunger can be attributed to a confluence of factors, including cuts in federal budgets and a faltering local economy. As a result, 26% of San Diegans are unable to afford three nutritious meals each day. This population includes 220,000 children, 184,000 seniors, and 139,000 individuals with disabilities. The implications of these numbers are profound, considering that hunger disrupts not just individual health but the fabric of the entire community.

In June 2025 alone, hunger-relief organizations faced an acute strain, distributing 3.5 million fewer meals than in March, with the end of the school year contributing to this decline. Compounding this crisis, meal distributions have also plummeted by 14 million compared to the peak-pandemic assistance levels of 2022.

Underlying Causes

The factors fueling this crisis are deeply rooted in broader socio-economic issues. The soaring cost of living, an exacerbating housing crisis, and escalating household debts have pushed more families into food insecurity. A report from the United Way of California reveals that one-third of local households are unable to meet their basic needs. Alondra Alvarado, the CEO of the San Diego Hunger Coalition, has adamantly stated, “Food is a human right,” advocating for increased support against the backdrop of declining federal assistance.

Political and Economic Repercussions

Tighter welfare restrictions foretell a grim future. Proposed policy changes threaten to remove 67,000 residents from CalFresh, a critical food assistance program, effectively siphoning over $250 million from the local economy. Further modifications to the SNAP program could transfer another $300 million in costs to state and local governments, culminating in an estimated total economic fallout of beyond $550 million. Moreover, anticipated increases in tariffs are pegged to augment household expenses by an average of $2,400 annually.

The food assistance network is poised for further disruption, particularly with the USDA's recent cancellation of 26 truckloads of food destined for the Emergency Food Assistance Program. This program is vital, serving 90,000 residents each month. As essential federal hunger-monitoring tools are being phased out, the work of organizations like the San Diego Hunger Coalition becomes increasingly crucial, especially in mapping out the most affected communities and linking residents to available resources.

The Coalition’s Role

The San Diego Hunger Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to eradicating hunger across the county, is focusing on advocacy, education, and community awareness to combat this growing crisis. Collaborative efforts with local partners are ongoing to address the root causes of food insecurity and ensure fair access to nutritious resources. More information on their initiatives and outreach programs can be found on their official website, www.sdhunger.org.

A Call to Action

This report underscores an urgent need for action from all sectors of the community. As San Diego faces this rising tide of hunger, it is vital that residents, organizations, and government agencies unite to create sustainable solutions that support those in need. The time to act is now, before hunger becomes an irreversible part of the region's identity. Together, we can create a future where food security is a reality for every San Diegan.