EL CAJON, Calif. — With two teenage boys at home and record high grocery prices, David Aranda finds himself needing assistance despite having a job.
Statistics continue to show one in four San Diegans cannot afford three nutritious meals a day — but also, current CalFresh numbers show not all who qualify for food assistance are enrolled. The Salvation Army and San Diego Hunger Coalition have partnered on a hunger awareness campaign.
"It's hard, you know, I'm a single dad," Aranda said. "Organizations like this are always real helpful."
"Most places hook you up with vegetables, eggs, maybe some meat — milk for the kids, cereal — so that's real helpful," he added.
Aranda was one of many people waiting in line at the Salvation Army in El Cajon to receive food assistance.
"It's not easy out there, it's hard," Herman Ottley said.
Overall an estimated 830,000 San Diegans cannot afford three nutritious meals a day.
"It could be your neighbor, and sometimes we don't want to talk about that. We don't want to say, we don't have food on our table — and usually families that are struggling, one of the first things they have to cut is food, because you have to pay your bills," President and CEO of San Diego Hunger Coalition Alondra Alvarado said.
This is where CalFresh is stepping in. The program, formerly known as food stamps, can help you buy groceries. San Diego County has resources available, but only 60% of allocated funds are being used, meaning you and your family may qualify for monthly grocery assistance. Both organizations can help you apply.
"People should be treated with respect and dignity. Food is a human right, and we shouldn't be ashamed to receive it," Alvarado added.
The goal of these two organizations is to create equity when it comes to food access — all through education, research and advocacy.
"We do research on the hunger situation in San Diego, meal gap and by zip code and with this data, we go and advocate directly with legislators," she said.
The focus of their next meeting, July 25, is on senior nutrition and access.
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