SAN DIEGO–This summer, Feeding San Diego is supporting youth in need with the Summer Food Service Program, a critical part of its hunger-relief services across San Diego County.
The organization has added six sites to the existing 23, ensuring that there are many access points throughout the county for youth and families facing hunger.
Before COVID-19, one in six children face hunger in San Diego County. Now the need has surged by an estimated 50 percent. With schools moving to virtual learning in mid-March and unprecedented levels of unemployment across the county, youth are increasingly affected by hunger.
At the 29 youth meal sites hosted by Feeding San Diego, children aged 1 to 18 can receive a free breakfast and lunch daily. Children do not have to be present to receive a meal: a parent or guardian can pick up meals for them if they provide the names of their children. Feeding San Diego has fully adapted its operations to follow San Diego County health guidelines, and these sites are operating as drive through pick-ups, with meals served on a first come, first serve basis to be taken home for consumption. Meals follow the USDA SFSP meal pattern and are either hot or cold.
Feeding San Diego also provides meals to youth and their families through an additional 15 meal sites with nearly 4,500 food boxes weekly in partnership with local school districts, including San Diego Unified School District and Cajon Valley School District.
