By: Hilda Marquez

     In order to provide enough food to our community, the San Diego Food Bank relies on organizations including religious organizations, schools, businesses, and other civic groups to run food drives and keep the Food Bank’s shelves stocked throughout the year.    Employees of SBSI will be helping this holiday season by donating items such as cans of meat & tuna, fruits & vegetables, beans, soups, dry cereal, rice, peanut butter, dried pasta and packaged nuts to the San Diego Food Bank.

     According to the San Diego Food Bank, the demand of food is soaring in San Diego County.  The prolonged economic downturn has deeply affected San Diego County.  As an illustration, in 2008, the Food Bank fed 200,000 per month.  This increased by 52% to 304,000 per month in 2009.  In 2010, the Food Bank is feeding over 342,000 people per month.

     In San Diego County 483,000 people live at or near the Federal Poverty Level.  Over 70% of these individuals are children living in low-income households who face the threat of hunger daily.  Hunger or "food insecurity" means households face times when they do not know if they will have enough food, or do not know how they will get their next meal.
 
SAN DIEGO HUNGER FACTS

•  The San Diego Food Bank distributed 13.8 million pounds of food in San Diego County in
    2009, the equivalent of 10.8 million meals

•  48 percent of people served by the Food Bank are under the age of 18

• 16 percent are children ages five years and younger

• 22 percent are senior citizens

• 50 percent of households served have at least one adult employed in a low-income job

     The San Diego Food Bank is a critical component to the welfare of San Diego County, providing food to people in need, advocating for the hungry and educating the public about hunger-related issues. Through a combination of government programs and partnerships with over 350 San Diego County nonprofit charities, the Food Bank acts as a central repository and distribution point for government and donated food. Funded by foundations, grants, the USDA, corporations, sponsors and individual donors, the Food Bank distributes over 15 million pounds of food annually to individuals, families and a network of nonprofit organizations that work to alleviate hunger throughout the county.

     If you or your company would like to get involved with the San Diego Food Bank visit their website at www.sandiegofoodbank.org to find out the many exciting ways you can help.