People lined up for blocks at Father Joe’s Villages in San Diego last week. The nonprofit was giving out food for Thanksgiving, and the turnout was much larger than usual.
Margarita Partian was one of those waiting. She knew the food would help her family during tough economic times. “With prices so high, even a small grocery trip can cost a fortune,” she said. “It’s more than what I make in a day.”
Tania Aleksanian was a first-time volunteer helping to distribute food. She felt grateful for the chance to see the community come together. “It’s rewarding to see everyone supporting each other,” she shared. “We’re all in this together.”
Father Joe’s Villages typically serves about 250 families on distribution days, but this time, around 600 cars showed up. This reflects a rising issue of food insecurity in San Diego, where many families face tough choices between essentials like food, housing, and health care. An organizer emphasized, “This situation is serious. People are struggling more than ever.”
The food provided contained the basics for a Thanksgiving meal, allowing families to celebrate the holiday with some hope. For Partian, it meant she could afford a turkey and share a meal with her loved ones.
Food insecurity isn’t just a local issue. According to the USDA, about 10.5% of U.S. households were food insecure at some point in 2021. This problem continues to affect more families across the country.
Volunteer efforts like those at Father Joe’s Villages showcase the power of community in fighting back against these challenges. As people continue to face economic hardships, such support becomes increasingly crucial.
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