Senate Leader Atkins Names Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank 2021 Nonprofit of the Year
SAN DIEGO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) is recognizing the efforts of the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, a San Diego-based nonprofit that serves as the region’s largest hunger-relief organization, by naming them the 2021 Nonprofit of the Year for the 39th Senate District.
“The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank has been a fundamental part of our region’s critical care services, ensuring there was food on the table for our neighbors in need during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senate pro Tempore Atkins. “This past year pushed food demand to levels never seen before, and yet, the Food Bank was there. Their efforts are nothing short of heroic.”
According to the organization’s recent annual report, the San Diego Food Bank’s year-over-year food distribution increased by a staggering 54 percent countywide as a direct result of COVID-19. In addition, the number of people served by the San Diego Food Bank nearly doubled since the start of the pandemic, with job loss being the top reason for the increased need.
From March 2020 to March 2021, the Food Bank distributed 57.4 million pounds of food, the equivalent of 48 million meals. And instead of purchasing the annual $1 million worth of food on the wholesale food market it normally spends, the Food Bank’s costs soared to $11 million to meet the demand for home-bound seniors, students from 14 school districts, and members of the community who were in need.
“The dedicated staff, volunteers and donors of the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank were on the front lines of this pandemic,” Atkins said. “They showed up every day and organized drive-thru food distributions, sorted and bagged food for Super Pantries, and took in donations. Their efforts sustained a healthy food supply to those impacted by COVID-19.”
“On behalf of the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank’s board of directors, staff, volunteers, and those we serve every day, we are deeply humbled to be recognized by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins as the 2021 Nonprofit of the Year in association with the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits),” said Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank Vice President Chris Carter.
“With this honor we recognize the Food Bank’s committed staff, family of volunteers, our donors and supporters who make our vital mission possible. We are honored by this prestigious award and recognize Senator Pro Tempore Atkins for her tireless work advocating for hunger-relief programs across the State of California.”
In the 2020-2021 state budget, a total of $225 million, including federal funds, was allocated for food bank distribution programs as well as diaper banks.
This is the sixth year of the California Nonprofit of the Year initiative. In this year of extreme uncertainty and suffering, nonprofits have continued to step up to support our communities as circumstances and needs change swiftly.
“Nonprofits are a community of stubborn optimists,” explains Jan Masaoka, CEO of the California Association of Nonprofits (CalNonprofits). “Our belief that the world can be better – more equitable, more kind – is powerful. Honoring a California Nonprofit of the Year shows that elected officials recognize and celebrate the good work they see nonprofits doing in their districts.”
For more information about the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, visit their website.
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Toni G. Atkins is President pro Tempore of the California Senate. Having previously served as Speaker of the California Assembly, she began her tenure in the Senate in 2016. As Senator for District 39, she represents the cities of San Diego, Coronado, Del Mar and Solana Beach. Website of President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins: www.senate.ca.gov/Atkins