Nonprofit Partner Spotlight: Feeding San Diego
A Cisco Live! attendee packs a weekend meal kit in this 2019 file photo.
The coronavirus crisis has upended life for Americans. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 54 million people in the United States may experience food insecurity in this year, including 18 million children. Globally, some estimate that the food crisis will take more lives than the pandemic itself.
In response to the increased need for food in the United States, organizations like Feeding America, the country’s largest charitable food assistance network, are stepping up to assist both individuals and families.
“Before COVID-19, one in eight people in San Diego were struggling with hunger. Now, we see an estimated 50% increase in the need — the economic impact could persist for another two years,” said Gavon Morris, Chief Philanthropy Officer of Feeding San Diego, a Give To Get non-profit partner.
As part of National Food Bank Week, we’d like to highlight the Feeding San Diego team’s work. Feeding San Diego, which was established in 2007, is the leading hunger-relief and food rescue organization in San Diego County and the only Feeding America member in the region.
To assist those who are hungry or food insecure while maintaining social distancing guidelines, Feeding San Diego refined its already existing protocols and implemented new methods of food distribution like drive-through pickups earlier this year. They also assisted school districts with drive-through and walk-up distributions.
But the increased need is not the only problem.
Volunteers for many organizations, including Feeding San Diego, are often over 65, according to a study released by the AARP, because they have more free time than others. However, these individuals are also in a high-risk group for contracting coronavirus and many organizations cannot accept new volunteers.
If you’d like to help those facing hunger, Feeding San Diego recommends that individuals:
Make a Financial Gift: Feeding San Diego is 95% funded by private philanthropy. It relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations, and community groups to realize the organization’s mission. These gifts ensure that Feeding San Diego can meet the ongoing community needs during the COVID-19 outbreak. To date, donations have allowed the organization to buy shelf-stable food, provide more meals safely, fuel mobile pantries, and purchase safety equipment.
Take advantage of your company’s matching gift program, if available: Matching gift programs encourage employees to log their donations with their company. Companies then contribute a match up to a certain dollar amount.
Donate Food: Although individuals may not be able to volunteer in-person at this time, it is still possible to donate food. To get more information on making these donations, please email: fooddonation@feedingsandiego.org.
Consider volunteering with another organization in San Diego County: Visit the following website for more information: justserve.org/sdcounty.
To find a food bank near you, visit Feeding America. To help your employees give back to local nonprofits from the safety of their homes, consider hosting an At-Home Volunteer Program.