Cars filled Van Dyke Avenue in City Heights as hundreds lined up for groceries from Iglesia Casa de Alabanza on a recent Thursday. The sun blazed down while some drivers shut off their engines, waiting for their turn to receive help. “If it weren’t for this assistance, what would happen to us?” asked Blanca Blanco, 64, echoing a sentiment felt by many.
The need for food aid has surged in San Diego, mainly due to rising costs of essentials like groceries and gas. The San Diego Hunger Coalition estimates that over a quarter of residents are facing food insecurity. According to recent data, a significant rise in food prices has pushed many more families toward local food banks and nonprofits.
Upcoming changes to CalFresh, California’s food assistance program, could worsen this situation. Starting April 1, many groups of immigrants, including asylum seekers and refugees, will suddenly lose eligibility. Then on June 1, stricter work requirements will kick in. Participants will need to work at least 80 hours a month to qualify.
“We’re already struggling to meet the need,” said David Villalobos, a pastor at the church helping distribute the food. He explained that many patrons are feeling the pinch, especially with these changes looming. San Diego County officials expect around 13,000 CalFresh participants to lose their assistance after the first change and another 93,500 after the second.
These changes stem from federal legislation, specifically H.R. 1, which limits food benefits for certain immigrant groups. “It didn’t have to be this way,” said Shawn VanDiver, founder of AfghanEvac, a group that assists Afghan refugees. He believes the new requirements are unnecessarily harsh.
While many face uncertainty, local nonprofits like Feeding San Diego are preparing. Sam Duke, the organization’s program director, has seen increased demand across various neighborhoods. He noted a particular rise in clients needing food assistance in areas like Escondido and East County, where food distribution is critical.
The San Diego Food Bank services around 411,000 people each month and is adapting by buying more food for those communities that need it most. Casey Castillo, the Food Bank’s CEO, emphasized the importance of their role: “When you’re coming to get food from us, it’s likely that you’re struggling in other areas.”
Local families are feeling additional pressure from skyrocketing gas prices, which have surged due to geopolitical tensions, such as the U.S. conflict with Iran. In fact, many have already seen delays in benefits due to past government shutdowns.
Alondra Alvarado, president of the San Diego Hunger Coalition, shared that many eligible residents aren’t enrolled in CalFresh, often due to fear of accepting federal assistance, especially in immigrant communities. She stated that training and outreach to increase enrollment could help alleviate some pressure on food pantries and better serve the community.
In these challenging times, the importance of local food assistance programs becomes even clearer. They act not just as a stopgap for hunger but as a lifeline for families navigating numerous hardships. For many, CalFresh still represents a key way to access the food needed to build healthier lives.
For more insights on food insecurity and local resources, check the San Diego Hunger Coalition’s research reports.
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