As inflation continues to rise and living costs soar, families across San Diego County are finding it harder than ever to make ends meet.
For many, basic necessities like food and gas have become unaffordable luxuries. In January, inflation in the San Diego area surged to 8.2%, surpassing the national average of 7.5%.
This has left local households struggling to stretch their budgets, with many falling short.
“The economy is just tough, and everything has gone up, including food and gas,”
shared Joseph, a San Diego resident.
“If you don’t have two people in your household or even an apartment, it’s very hard for you to make it.”
The strain is especially heavy on families with children, seniors, and caregivers. Nicole a grandmother caring for her granddaughter, described the impossible choices she faces each month.
“I’m just not making ends meet,”
she explained.
“They cut my food stamps for my granddaughter, and it’s now $53 a month. There are a lot of bills to pay and not a lot of money for groceries. By the time we pay bills, it’s hard to get groceries.”
Rebecca, another participant, shared.
Food insecurity is a growing crisis nationwide, affecting 47 million Americans, including 14 million children. In San Diego County alone, 300,000 people—80,000 of them children—struggle with hunger. These numbers represent real families, each with their own story of perseverance and need.
For Nicole, Catholic Charities became her beacon of hope.
“I feed a lot of kids, and you know… I have to make it,”
she said.
“When I was looking for the first place to get food help, I looked online, and it gave a list of places you can go. Then I called Catholic Charities, and they signed me up.”
Rachel has been visiting Catholic Charities’ food distributions for several months now. Each visit provides her with essential groceries that help her family get through the month.
“With the $300 I get a month, it lasts about two weeks, and then that’s it,”
John explained.
“Catholic Charities makes it easier. You can come here and have a little extra to help you save money.”
The food pantries not only fill empty cupboards but also bring peace to households under stress.
“It makes things easier in the home,”
Joseph added.
“You don’t have to argue about meat or money or anything like that.
They give you the essentials—what you really need: peanut butter, staples, canned goods.”
For many, Catholic Charities’ support has been a game-changer. It provides not only sustenance but also the chance to celebrate special moments.
“I would not be able to have Christmas dinner without the turkey they give out,”
said Nicole.
The convenience of the food distributions is another lifeline for families.
“It’s very nice being able to get the food and having food distribution close to me,”
Rebecca said.
“I can drive or walk, and it’s helped me a lot to get through months when I’m low on food, especially when I have my granddaughters there. It helps throughout the month.”
Beyond the food, the human touch makes a profound difference.
Volunteers who dedicate hours of their time—rain or shine—ensure the process is
seamless and welcoming.
“The volunteers are really great,”
Rebecca noted.
“They take quite a few hours out of their day just to set this up.
Even if it rains a little bit, they still come to set this up”
Joseph added.
Their kindness doesn’t go unnoticed.
“They’re just really friendly—they act like they’ve known you for life,”
Rebecca said.
“Thank you, Catholic Charities. It’s really appreciated by a lot of us.
A lot of people don’t realize who’s giving the food; they just know it’s a helping hand.”
Tom added.
For those who rely on the program, Catholic Charities represents more than just food assistance—it’s a lifeline of compassion and hope.
“I wouldn’t eat if it wasn’t for Catholic Charities,”
said Nicole.
“They’ve given me hope. Without them, I don’t know where I’d be”
In these challenging times, Catholic Charities is a testament to the power of community and care.
As inflation continues to rise and families face mounting challenges, programs like these provide a critical safety net.
They remind us that even in the toughest circumstances, there are those who stand ready to help,
ensuring no one has to face hunger alone.