Feeding San Diego responds to East County fires

In response to the strong winds and fire weather our county is currently experiencing, which have resulted in fires and power shutoffs by San Diego Gas & Electric that affect tens of thousands of East County residents, Feeding San Diego is increasing the amount of food at its mobile pantries that service the areas of Borrego Springs, Boulevard, Shelter Valley, Julian, and Guatay. In addition, there will be a one-time emergency distribution in Santa Ysabel for affected tribal community members.

Our Mobile Pantry Program provides food security to those living in predominantly rural, underserved areas that have a high incidence of poverty and are often food deserts. On a regular basis, and especially during crises, these mobile food pantries provide a crucial lifeline to those in need. Our Mobile Pantry Program is the only program of its kind in the county and has increased food provided to the program during the ongoing pandemic. Natural disasters like wildfires only add to the need experienced in these areas.

While these distributions are usually held farmer’s market-style, each site now operates as a drive-through, or walk-through model due to the pandemic. They are held on a twice-monthly basis and are available to anyone in need.

“Our East County communities are already vulnerable to hunger because of the lack of access to fresh, nutritious foods. With the pandemic and now fire season, the danger is mounting,” says Dana Henderson, Director of Programs at Feeding San Diego. “By increasing the amount of food available we hope to provide even more people than usual with the food they need.”

Below are the mobile pantry sites that will be receiving additional quantities of food for the week of December 7: