Pandemic-Level Hunger Returns to San Diego

June 20, 2025

The San Diego Hunger Coalition has reported that food insecurity in San Diego County has returned to pandemic-era levels, with 26% of the population now facing hunger. This increase stems from multiple factors including fear among immigrant communities due to increased ICE activity, widespread layoffs, economic uncertainty, and cuts to federal food assistance programs. Critical programs like the Local Food Purchasing Assistance and The Emergency Food Assistance Program have been scaled back or eliminated, resulting in the loss of millions of meals.

Who is affected

26% of San Diego County's population facing hunger
Immigrant communities
Families struggling to make ends meet
SNAP recipients
Small farms and rural economies that were supported by local food systems
People who relied on programs like Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)

What action is being taken

The San Diego Hunger Coalition is raising awareness by releasing new data about hunger levels
Legal challenges are being mounted against the Trump administration's request for SNAP recipient data
The National Center for Law and Economic Justice is monitoring the situation and confirmed the pause on data requests

Why it matters

Food insecurity has returned to pandemic-era levels in San Diego County
Federal funding cuts have eliminated millions of meals' worth of nutritious food
Many families are avoiding necessary food assistance programs out of fear
The local food system that supported small farms and rural economies is being undermined
People are being forced to choose between accessing food and feeling safe
Replacing lost federal support with local funds is described as nearly impossible without major reinvestment

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint