The following content is created in consultation with Feeding San Diego. It does not reflect the work or opinions of NBC San Diego’s editorial staff. Click here to learn more about Feeding San Diego.
More than 120,000 children in San Diego county are food insecure. Thousands of children across the county get free or reduced-cost lunch during the school year, but many will lose that food source once school is out. Instead of relaxing and playing, one of every six kids will spend the summer worrying about where the next meal will come from. Here's what you can do to help put an end to child hunger.
Volunteer in your community
Make a monetary donation or give a few hours of your time to community organizations like Feeding San Diego, who are working hard to feed kids this summer. Volunteers like you help power their mission of solving hunger while ending food waste.
Reduce food waste in your house
More than 40% of food is wasted in our community every day. At the same time, many people don't have enough healthy food to eat. You can do your part to address "food inequity" by making sure food doesn't spoil in your fridge and preparing the right amount for those you are feeding.
Raise awareness
Use social media to support public policies that improve the lives of people facing food insecurities and generate awareness of events and campaigns that are making a difference against child hunger. Feeding San Diego is a sponsor for the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), which provides free lunches and snacks to children and teens, Monday through Friday, from June to August.
Donate healthy meals
From May 13 to June 9, you can donate meals through Feeding San Diego's "Fuel for Summer!" campaign. Pick up a $5 or $10 Virtual Food Box when you shop at a Ralphs or Food 4 Less and scan the code at checkout. For every dollar spent, Feeding San Diego will provide four nutritious meals to children who don't have access to school meals during the summer months. You can also donate online.
Feeding San Diego is the leading hunger-relief organization in San Diego County and the only Feeding America member in the region. The organization sources food from donors, including farms, packing sheds, grocery stores, restaurants and retailers, then distributes healthy, nutritious meals to more than 63,000 children and individuals.
