How Should San Diego Respond to Food Insecurity?

February 11, 2026

Rising food prices and cuts to federal assistance programs are disproportionately impacting Black communities in San Diego, where approximately 27% of Black children live in food-insecure households compared to 10% of white families. Research shows that when low-income families run out of food assistance benefits at month's end, children perform worse academically, creating long-term educational and health consequences including increased risk of diabetes and other diet-related diseases. In response to these challenges, Project New Village in Southeastern San Diego is promoting food sovereignty through urban farming, community gardens, and subsidized food distribution programs that provide culturally appropriate fresh produce to residents.

Who is affected

Black children in San Diego (27% live in food-insecure households; twice as likely to face hunger as other children)
Black families (approximately 25% report food insecurity compared to 10% of white families)
Low-income families in San Diego who spend a higher share of household income on food
30% of San Diego's Black population spending nearly one-third of monthly income on housing
Residents of Southeastern San Diego, National City, and Lemon Grove
Families receiving CalFresh, SNAP, food stamps, WIC, Section 8 housing, Medicare, or Medi-Cal
People with hypertension and diabetes in Southeastern San Diego

What action is being taken

Project New Village is operating a mobile farmer's market on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and weekends
The organization is distributing 750 "golden groceries" veggie boxes weekly to people receiving any government subsidy
Project New Village offers subsidized food through their mobile market using funding from the philanthropic community
Weekly golden groceries pickup is happening at the Project New Village office on Wednesdays between 1:00 and 4:00 PM
The organization is promoting urban farming and community gardens in Southeastern San Diego
Project New Village is sourcing hyper-local food from community members and small farms
The organization is encouraging residents to grow their own food and reduce reliance on processed foods and fast food

Why it matters

Food insecurity has cascading effects that extend far beyond immediate hunger. When families cannot afford adequate nutrition, children suffer academically, particularly during periods when food assistance benefits run out at month's end. The issue perpetuates educational achievement gaps and creates long-term health consequences, including increased rates of diabetes and other diet-related diseases that already disproportionately affect communities of color. Black families face systemic disadvantages, with food insecurity rates 2.5 times higher than white families, compounded by housing costs that consume a third of monthly income. This represents what Diane Moss calls "food apartheid"—the deliberate historical underserving of neighborhoods of color that lack quality grocery stores and access to affordable, nutritious food. The problem is worsening as federal food assistance programs face cuts while food prices continue rising, making low-income families increasingly unable to afford healthy food options. Without intervention, these trends threaten to widen existing health and educational disparities for generations.

What's next

Project New Village will continue distributing 750 golden groceries veggie boxes weekly
The mobile farmer's market will maintain its Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and weekend schedule
Weekly golden groceries pickup will remain available on Wednesdays between 1:00 and 4:00 PM at the Project New Village office
The organization plans to continue expanding culturally appropriate food offerings based on community preferences
*Additional resources mentioned for future action:**
Residents can visit ProjectNewVillage.org for information on food distribution initiatives and events
People needing food assistance can visit feedingsandiego.org or sandiegofoodbank.org
Those needing health, community, or social services can call 211 or visit 211sandiego.org

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