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.