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, hunger relief, and business sectors will discuss the affordability crisis affecting our region. Our panelists include:
Moderator: Appaswamy “Vino” Pajanor, CEO, Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego and Chair, San Diego County Board of Supervisors Social Services Advisory Board
Anthony White, Vice President of Government & Community Affairs, TrueCare
Erin Hogeboom, Director, San Diego for Every Child
Rachel Kumar, Workplace Culture Consultant & Vice Chair, Business For Good
Stephen Russell, President & CEO, San Diego Housing Federation
Registration begins at 2:30 p.m. The State of Hunger research presentation, panel discussion, and the 3rd Annual Hunger Fighter Award bestowment will take place from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Reception to follow with food, drinks, and a silent auction.
Sponsorship opportunities are available and tickets are now on sale. We hope to see you there!
3rd Annual Hunger Fighter Award | Finalists
Honoring an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and compassion in the fight against food insecurity in San Diego County — and should exemplify the spirit of collaboration and community that defines the hunger relief sector in our region.
The winner will be presented with a unique award by local artist, Fernanda Gaspar at SDHC's Annual State of Hunger event on Monday, November 16. Register and celebrate with us as we create a Hunger Free San Diego.
CalFresh Lead Coordinator
Jacobs & Cushman San Diego
Food Bank
Maria Lewis
Christian Nolan
Outreach Coordinator
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
Alondra Lopez
ASI Cougar Pantry Manager
ASI of CSUSM
Patty O’Connor
Chief Operating Officer
Feeding San Diego
Mim Michelove
CEO & President
Healthy Day Partners
Brent Wakefield
President & CEO
Meals on Wheels San Diego
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.
