ADDRESSING FOOD INSECURITY THROUGH NUTRITION
Our priorities are to provide fruits, vegetables, proteins and grains through adopted nutrition policies to our clients. We also service other local food pantries. Our clients consist mainly of the unsheltered and families, and an ever increasing number of seniors.
FOOD INSECURITY DURING COVID
COVID-19 has dramatically impacted food insecurity in the South Bay, both in how nutrition in the South Bay is distributed and also the demand for it. Families that have never experienced food insecurity find themselves lining up at various distributions throughout the South Bay in order to put food on the table for their families. We were the first in the South Bay to address these issues by implementing two weekly Drive Thru/Walk Up Nutrition Distributions. Most recently we passed the equal parts humbling and sobering milestone of having distributed 1,200,628 pounds of nutrition in the three months we have been providing COVID specific services.
A message from Executive Director and Founder Rosy Vasquez:
“”After reaching such a unprecedented milestone for such a small agency I hope that the lesson learned is that we need to address community issues head on and understand that food insecurity has been an issue in the South Bay. This isn’t just about addressing COVID-19 but about addressing long term systemic nutrition issues in our community”.
For more information about how we have tackled COVID specifically, please visit our COVID-19 response page for more information.
OUR GOLD STANDARD NUTRITION PARTNERS
REGIONAL SOUTH BAY NUTRITION DISTRIBUTOR
In partnership with Feeding San Diego we have transformed our model to provide maximum impact for a community affected by record breaking food insecurity numbers due to the economic side effects of COVID-19. This new model includes pulling back from doing farmers market style nutrition distributions and has led to CTH adopting a twice a week Drive Thru/Walk up Nutrition Distribution model. This model impacts approximately 25,000 individuals a month.
OTHER GENERAL NUTRITION PROGRAM INFORMATION
Responding to the impacted crisis as it relates to food insecurity has led us to transform the building in order to accommodate the influx of nutrition. This new model emphasizes specific senior related nutrition services (find more information on our senior services page) and we have begun doing home deliveries to the National City and Chula Vista area. Currently we are providing nutrition to 20% of the South Bay senior population. Providing nutrition security is and remains a cornerstone of our mission. We are excited to continue expanding services and innovating in this area.
A HAPPY PARTNERSHIP
We are proud to announce a new partnership with Starbucks, through Feeding San Diego. With driver and truck, we rescue day old edibles that would ordinarily be thrown out. These small meals, sandwiches and pastries are gratefully received by hungry clients.
GLEANING, GARDENING AND EDUCATION
In southern California, fruit grows abundantly in backyards and along avenues. Home gardeners are anxious to re-home their excess fruits and vegetables. Gleaners are happy to receive this bounty and avid gardeners are happy to provide fresh nutrition to those in need. These cabbages, pictured right, were grown for Project Nutrition by volunteer in their home gardens.
Community Through Hope will send volunteers to area schools to educate the next generation about the joys of Service and making good choices when reaching for an after-school snack. Pictured at the left, is a visit to Feaster Elementary for career day.
