Hugs & Bags Monthly Update: Emergency Food Support During SNAP Crisis
The last month has weighed heavily on the hearts of our community. We have witnessed the painful ripple effect of uncertainty gripping our most vulnerable neighbors—our unhoused families, our determined veterans, hard-working single parents, and our cherished seniors (elders).
Two and a half weeks ago, when the vital SNAP benefits were suddenly paused, it created an immediate hunger crisis for thousands of San Diegans. The requests for food, meals, and basic toiletries poured into Hugs & Bags, becoming overwhelming almost instantly.
Despite being a small, grassroots nonprofit, operating without an office, your love and generosity allowed us to move mountains. Thanks to the extraordinary compassion of our neighbors, we delivered groceries and warm, home-cooked meals to over 100 families and individuals during this critical time.
These weren’t just deliveries; they were lifelines. We were honored to support a senior who lives in a local building and a single father caring for his two children. We kept their plates full for two challenging weeks. The profound gratitude we heard tells the true story of your impact.
The senior shared a deeply touching comment: “Having a healthy home-cooked meal means everything to me, now that I am not able to cook or shop for myself.” The single father expressed his relief in powerful terms: “My daughters can have more than peanut butter and jelly and canned food. Children shouldn’t have to experience hunger or limited options.”
This work cannot stop here.
The crisis continues, and the families who relied on those benefits are still facing empty pantries. Every single donation is a warm meal, a full pantry, and a moment of dignity restored.
Our Heartfelt Call to Action
Will you stand with us and keep hope on the table?
We need your help right now to sustain this critical support. Please, open your heart and donate today to ensure that no child goes to bed hungry, and no senior is forced to choose between medicine and a meal. Your kindness is the foundation of our ability to respond. Let’s keep feeding our neighbors. Our current need is our Annual Toy, Blanket, and Sock drive for unhoused children and youth.
You can learn more about our schedule of events at www.hugsandbags.com and donate at link.uhsd.org/hugsandbags. We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation providing a hand up to veterans, homeless children, and women in transition.