Food rescue While Feeding San Diego is most visibly a hunger-relief organization, its mission includes food "rescue." The nonprofit partners with more than 600 food donors and more than 225 farms and produce-processing facilities to redirect surplus food and ugly-but-edible fruits and vegetables from landfills. "They may not be considered 'retail ready,'" Casares says. "People don't want to pay top dollar for a dented apple. A lot of what we communicate is, 'Help us eat this food.'" An estimated 35 percent of food produced in the U.S. goes in the trash, contributing to harmful greenhouse gasses. There's more than enough food produced in the U.S. to end hunger, Casares says, but getting that food to the people who need it is the challenge. Feeding San Diego estimates nearly 70 percent of the food it provides to the community was rescued. Beyond rescued food, Feeding San Diego amasses food to distribute through community food drives and by purchasing food with money raised through peer-to-peer online fundraising, charitable donations and grants. Every $1 donated equals two meals, Casares says. Recurring monthly donations, even just a few dollars at a time, give the 501(c)(3) a steady funding stream. Of course, Feeding San Diego's needs aren't just monetary. Volunteers to sort and pack food are always welcome at the nonprofit's Sorrento Valley headquarters, particularly in the quieter months of January and February. Casares says many local families are struggling to keep up with the rising costs of housing, gas and food. Some are seeking assistance for the first time. "It's a daily state of hardship," she says. Meanwhile, Feeding San Diego and other charitable organizations have seen donations decline since the pandemic's start. "Maybe it's not at the forefront of people's minds, or they might be suffering financially themselves," she says. "We're very happy to see the topic of hunger addressed at the state and national level. We can't do it on our own."
“There's a hard reality of families who don't have food in the pantry or in the fridge.”
Parents, teachers and volunteers help staff Feeding San Diego programs that benefit local school children.
81 CHARITABLE SD GIVING GUIDE 2023 SDMAG.COM/CGG
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