SAN DIEGO — The San Diego Foundation announced on Thursday, $1 million in additional rapid response grants to local nonprofit organizations providing food security and financial assistance to seniors, children, restaurant workers, and other vulnerable populations through the San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund.
To date, the fund has granted $2.7 million to San Diego organizations working on the frontline to support individuals, families, and communities impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.
Over 1,900 individuals, companies, foundations and donors at The San Diego Foundation, have raised $8.3 million and in one week earned a $500,000 match from the Halicioglu Family Foundation to support San Diegans in need.
Recent donations include $200,000 from Genentech, $150,000 from the Wells Fargo Foundation and $100,000 from the Colonel Frank C. Wood Memorial Fund at The San Diego Foundation.
The $1 million in additional grant funding includes $330,000 to San Diego Hunger Coalition, $300,000 of which will go immediately to support school districts through the Hunger Free Kids COVID Response Initiative.
“We have seen incredible courage and innovation on the part of school district nutrition service directors countywide, who have sprung into action to help students in need,” shared Anahid Brakke, Executive Director of San Diego Hunger Coalition. “We applaud The San Diego Foundation for directing funds to our region’s school districts. This grant funding will be matched ten-fold by jumpstarting the flow of federally-funded school meals back into our hunger relief system.”
The grant to the San Diego Hunger Coalition is made possible thanks to the Bosch Milk Fund at The San Diego Foundation, a donor-advised fund created by the late philanthropist Anita Bosch to provide meal assistance to San Diego school children who might be otherwise undernourished.
“Lost access to school meals due to COVID-19 has placed thousands of San Diego school children at risk of going hungry,” shared Mark Stuart, President & CEO of The San Diego Foundation. “The Hunger Free Kids COVID Response Initiative and its leaders are working diligently with San Diego County school districts to deliver vital nutrition to our some of our youngest and most vulnerable residents.”
Businesses, individuals and organizations can donate and find additional information about the San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund here.
RELATED: San Diego COVID-19 Community Response Fund reaches nearly $6 million after donation from Qualcomm
The latest round of rapid response grants include:
San Diego Hunger Coalition - $330,000
To support the Hunger Free Kids COVID Response Initiative and increase the capacity and resources available for San Diego County school districts to provide safe, curbside meal assistance to students who, prior to COVID-19, relied on school meal programs for daily meals.
Restaurant Works Relief Initiative (via Mission Edge San Diego) - $250,000
Through a partnership with Cohn Restaurant Group, to provide financial assistance to restaurant employees affected by layoffs and reduced working hours.
Meals on Wheels - $150,000
To help meet the increased demand from quarantined seniors who rely on food assistance deliveries by volunteers for food, social connection and wellness checks.
Father Joe’s Village - $60,000
To support the needs of San Diegans experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis, including health care, shelter, food and more.
American Red Cross - $60,000
To provide disaster relief for San Diegans in need, as well as ensure local hospitals continue to have the blood supply they need to treat patients.
Serving Seniors - $50,000
To expand the number of meals that are provided to food insecure and quarantined seniors during this crisis.
ElderHelp of San Diego - $50,000
To support seniors in need, especially those who are isolated or home bound with limited access to food, medical services and family support.
2-1-1 San Diego - $50,000
To provide flexible resources to the 2-1-1 San Diego and its call center, which is helping tens of thousands of San Diegans find the services and support they need.