For Immediate Release
September is San Diego Hunger Awareness Month: Donate to the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program
Media Contacts:
Chris Carter, Food Bank ([email protected])
Courtney Pendleton, Mission Fed ([email protected]) – 714.926.8106
SAN DIEGO, Sept. 2022 – September is San Diego Hunger Awareness Month, and Mission Fed Credit Union has partnered with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank for 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, 60 San Diego County elementary schools are enrolled in the Food Bank’s Food 4 Kids program which feeds 3,500 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.
“We’re asking for a minimum donation of $7 to feed one child for one weekend,” said Neville Billimoria, SVP, Marketing & Community Relations at Mission Fed. “But we know, and 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.”
Billimoria 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, or www.sandiegofoodbank.org/event/19707/. 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 nearly 500 San Diego County nonprofit charities, the Food Bank acts as a central repository and distribution point for donated food. The Food Bank distributed 44 million pounds of food in the Fiscal Year 2021 – 2022 to individuals, families and a network of nonprofit organizations that work to alleviate hunger throughout the county. Visit the Food Bank at www.sandiegofoodbank.org and www.northcountyfoodbank.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 $5.0 billion in assets, 280,000 members, 34 convenient local branches, 30,000 fee-free CO-OP ATMs nationwide and free mobile and online banking services. The credit union was named a Top Workplaces USA winner in 2021 and placed in the top five California credit unions on Forbes’ Best-In-State Credit Unions list in 2022. 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. To learn more, visit www.MissionFed.com.
