September is San Diego Hunger Awareness Month:
Donate to the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program
Fundraiser by Mission Fed supports the more than 3,000 children who need food on the weekends when school meals are unavailable
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 2023 – September is San Diego Hunger Awareness Month! Mission Fed Credit Union has partnered with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank in support of the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program. This important program provides weekend backpacks filled with food to local elementary school students living in poverty who have little or no food over the weekends when free school meals are unavailable.
Did you know that when children participate in programs that provide them with food for a weekend, children experience increased self-esteem, improved behavior at school, better academic performance, and increased interest in their classes and other school activities? Currently, more than 60 San Diego County elementary schools are enrolled in the Food Bank’s Food 4 Kids program, which feeds 3,000 students each week at schools throughout San Diego County.
Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank CEO Casey Castillo said, “The Food Bank is very grateful to Mission Fed Credit Union and its members for generously donating funds to support this school year’s Food 4 Kids Backpack Program. This vital program provides backpacks filled with nutritious food every Friday to elementary school children living in poverty who receive free meals during the week but face hunger at home over the weekend. On behalf of the Food Bank’s staff and family of volunteers, we thank Mission Fed Credit Union and their members for their generous support helping the Food Bank serve local children in need.”
Throughout September, San Diegans can visit any Mission Fed branch to donate, or donate online via the following link: San Diego Food Bank Food 4 Kids Backpack Program.
“It costs the Food Bank $8 to feed one child for one weekend – but every dollar counts,” said Debra Schwartz, President and CEO at Mission Fed. “We have seen time and time again how generous our members, our staff and the greater San Diego community are – particularly when it comes to the kids. Food insecurity is a cause near and dear to our hearts and we thoroughly enjoy supporting this important effort.”
Schwartz added, “On behalf of the Food Bank and Mission Fed, thank you for helping raise awareness and donations for this important cause. Together we can make a difference in the fight against childhood hunger.”
For more information, visit www.sandiegofoodbank.org/missionfed. Join the conversation online – #HungerFreeSD #Food4Kids.
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About the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank & North County Food Bank chapter
Established in 1977, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is a critical component to the welfare of San Diego County, providing food to people in need, advocating for the hungry and educating the public about hunger-related issues. Through a combination of programs and partnerships with more than 500 San Diego County nonprofit charities, the Food Bank acts as a central repository and distribution point for donated food. The Food Bank distributed 45 million pounds of food in the Fiscal Year 2022 – 2023 to individuals, families and a network of nonprofit organizations that work to alleviate hunger throughout the county. For more information and how to get involved, please visit the Food Bank at www.sandiegofoodbank.org.
About Mission Fed Credit Union
Mission Federal Credit Union (Mission Fed) is the largest member-owned, not-for-profit, full-service financial institution exclusively serving San Diego County. Mission Fed enhances the lives of its members through financial education and services, providing stability and strength to help San Diegans with financial wellness and success. Banking at Mission Fed means doing good for San Diego. Mission Fed gives money back to our local communities, has helped hundreds of nonprofits and important causes, and builds deep relationships with community partners.
Mission Fed has served the financial needs of San Diegans for over 60 years through checking, savings, loans, credit cards, and other financial offerings. Mission Fed has more than $6.0 billion in assets, nearly 300,000 members, 34 convenient local branches, 30,000 fee-free CO-OP ATMs nationwide and free mobile and online banking services. The credit union is regularly named a Top Workplaces USA winner, and has placed in the top five California credit unions on Forbes’ Best-In-State Credit Unions list. Mission Fed is also the first San Diego-based credit union to receive the “Juntos Avanzamos” designation, honoring its commitment to serving and empowering Hispanic/Latinx consumers. Federally insured by NCUA and Equal Housing Lender.
