Our Annual State of Hunger event returns on Monday, November 16 to the Mingei International Museum. This event will bring together community stakeholders to explore new data on hunger in our region and share leading strategies for creating a Hunger Free San Diego.
During the event, a panel of local experts and advocates from the housing, workforce, childcare, and hunger relief sectors discuss the affordability crisis affecting our region.
More details on the panelists will be shared in September.
Registration begins at 3:00 p.m.
3:30-5:00 p.m.: the State of Hunger research presentation, panel discussion, and the 3rd Annual Hunger Fighter Award bestowment will take place.
Reception to follow with food, drinks, and a silent auction.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available. Individual tickets will be on sale starting September 14. We hope to see you there!
Now Open: Nominations for the 3rd Annual Hunger Fighter Award
Do you know a Hunger Fighter from your community? We are accepting nominations for the 3rd Annual Hunger Fighter Award, which honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and compassion in the fight against food insecurity in San Diego County.
Nominees may come from any sector — emergency food providers, healthcare, education, advocacy, government, or beyond — and should exemplify the spirit of collaboration and community that defines the hunger relief sector in our region.
The Hunger Fighter Award will be presented at SDHC's Annual State of Hunger event on Monday, November 17. Submit your nomination below and help us celebrate the people making a Hunger Free San Diego possible.
A Look Back at 2025 State of Hunger
2nd Annual Hunger Fighter
Award Winner
Luz Arizmendi Mendoza
Client Choice Supervisor
Luz Arizmendi Mendoza is a transformative leader in the fight against food insecurity, turning the San Diego Food Bank’s North County Client Choice Pantry into a model of dignity, efficiency, and compassion. Through her data-driven advocacy, she expanded the pantry’s space, staffing, and hours to meet surging community demand—making food assistance more accessible for working families and seniors. Under her guidance, the pantry now serves thousands each month with culturally familiar, nutritious food while offering wraparound resources like CalFresh enrollment, job support, and senior food boxes—all in a stigma-free, welcoming environment. Luz’s leadership inspires volunteers, strengthens community partnerships, and ensures every client is treated with respect and choice. She doesn’t just distribute food—she restores dignity and connection, embodying what it means to be a true Hunger Fighter.
Over the past year, Luz redesigned the pantry’s intake and service model to better meet rising demand and reduce barriers for working families. She expanded hours to include Saturdays, created a streamlined “to-go” system for walk-ins, and launched the FEED Ambassador program—training experienced volunteers to guide new clients, assist with registration, and connect them to additional resources. These innovations doubled client capacity while preserving dignity, cutting wait times, and improving access to vital wraparound services like employment, healthcare, and housing support. Luz’s thoughtful systems design and community partnerships have transformed the pantry into a true hub of hope and stability for North County residents.
