September is Hunger Action Month!
This September, join Community Resource Center in partnership with the Feeding America network for Hunger Action Month. It’s a time to raise awareness, take action, and fight hunger in our community. Together, we can strive for a hunger-free and healthy San Diego.
Did you know that in 2023, the nutrition insecurity rate in San Diego County increased to 25%? That means one in four people in our county cannot afford three nutritious meals per day (San Diego Hunger Coalition). It’s highly likely that someone you know may be facing food scarcity, even if it’s not obvious.
Please read on for more about CRC’s Healthy Food programs and five ways you can take action this month!
If you are in need of food assistance, please visit our Food & Nutrition Center page to learn more.
How CRC Helps with Healthy Food
Community Resource Center’s Food & Nutrition Center distributes over 505,000 pounds of rescued food a year, serving an average of 570 households each month, including families, seniors, and individuals experiencing homelessness. Our Food Rescue Initiative helps turn surplus into sustenance with the support of local grocery stores and donation partners.
“As a single mother of three young children, ages nine, seven and five, the struggle to make ends meet is incredibly challenging right now, especially with the tough economy. When you assist us with food, it brings me so much relief because sometimes I struggle to provide enough food for my kids throughout the month, and your support really helps alleviate that immense pressure.”
Samantha, CRC participant
5 Ways You Can Take Action to Fight Hunger in Our Community
1. Raise Awareness
- Learn about the realities of food insecurity in San Diego and share this knowledge with friends and family. Many people have misconceptions about who accesses food pantries, but it includes a diverse range of people, including working-class families and seniors. Understanding these realities helps build empathy and drives meaningful action.
- Join us for a CRC tour to see our Food & Nutrition Center and learn more about our impact and programs.
- Wear orange, the color for hunger awareness!
2. Participate in Hunger Action Day and Give-back Restaurant Events
- September 10 (Tuesday): Participate in Hunger Action Day by sharing our social media posts to raise awareness about hunger in San Diego. Show your support by wearing orange and tagging us on social media @SanDiegoCRC or emailing your photos to Info@crcncc.org.
September 10 is #HungerActionDay! Join me in support of Community Resource Center (@SanDiegoCRC), a member of Feeding San Diego. Together, we can achieve a hunger-free and healthy San Diego, Learn more: crcncc.org/hunger. #HungerFreeSD #HungerActionMonth #EndHungerNow
Sample Social Media Post
Restaurant Give-back Events:
- September 18 (Wednesday): Kebab Shop Encinitas 50% Give-back Restaurant Event
- September 23 (Monday): Mendocino Farms Encinitas 30% Give-back Restaurant Event
3. Donate
- Please consider making a financial contribution to maximize your impact. Our bulk purchasing power allows us to stretch every dollar further to provide more meals for families in need.
- You can also donate non-perishable food and personal care items directly to CRC or even donate homegrown produce at one of Healthy Day Partners’ donation stations.
4. Host a Food Drive
- Organize a food or personal care item drive to keep our food pantry stocked with essential items. You can collaborate with schools, organizations and clubs to host larger food drives. Learn more about hosting a food or personal care items drive or please contact Carolina at ccamacho@crcncc.org. We can coordinate pickups for larger collections.
- You can also help by partnering with us for a give-back fundraiser. Please contact us at Development@crcncc.org to learn more.
5. Volunteer
- Get involved by volunteering with CRC! While we have a dedicated team for weekly distributions, there are opportunities for deep cleaning and other special projects. This is a great group activity for 10-20 people. Reach out to us to learn more about available opportunities at volunteer@crcncc.org.
- We currently have opportunities to assist with our truck food rescue pick-ups and deliveries, specifically on Wednesdays or as an on-call substitute volunteer. To learn more, visit crcncc.org/volunteer and complete the application, noting your interest in this role.
Together, we can make a meaningful impact this Hunger Action Month. Join us as we work to create a hunger-free community.
