DATE:
June 24, 2025
11
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
ADVANCING FOOD JUSTICE BY SUPPORTING THE SAN DIEGO FOOD BANK AND SUNCOAST MARKET CO-OP (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
Access to healthy foods affects a person's health, dental, physical and mental well-being, longevity, and quality of life. Unfortunately, many communities-particularly those in low-income areas or rural regions-lack access to affordable and nutritious food options, which can lead to disparities in health outcomes. Healthy food options are vital in ensuring individuals can lead a healthy life and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers.
On June 4, 2024 (12), the San Diego County Board of Supervisors (Board) directed the development of a Food Justice Community Action Plan (FJCAP). The FJCAP sought to identify actions the County of San Diego (County) could take to reduce food insecurity, eliminate food deserts, improve access to locally grown produce, and increase collaboration between the County and organizations involved in the local food system.
The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank (San Diego Food Bank) was founded in 1977 and is the largest hunger-relief organization in San Diego County and the fourth largest independent food bank in the United States. Across San Diego County, one in four individuals are food insecure and the percentage of children and youth that are food insecure is even higher at 32 percent. The San Diego Food Bank plays a vital role in our local safety net, serving 400,000 people each month through partnerships with 450 nonprofits, and is a critical link to basic needs for low-income seniors, working poor families with children, malnourished students, and homeless families and individuals. Additionally, the San Diego Food Bank serves 39,000 active-duty military, veterans, and their families. The San Diego Food Bank is on pace to distribute 50 million pounds of food and basic needs supplies...
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