Hunger Awareness Month, observed every September, is a reminder that access to nutritious food is one of the most important drivers of health and well-being. The connection between nutrition and health is something your hospitals see every day — food insecurity affects patients and communities, contributing to poorer health outcomes, increased chronic disease, and greater demand for health care services.
This year’s observance comes amid significant eligibility changes for CalFresh recipients that took effect in April. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA/H.R. 1), eligibility restrictions for noncitizens, increased recertification frequency, expanded work requirements, and funding changes are already reducing food assistance for many individuals in San Diego and Imperial counties. These changes are only increasing food insecurity for vulnerable populations and heightening demand for food assistance.
More than 37,000 San Diegans have already lost their CalFresh benefits since the passage of OBBBA/H.R. 1, and we expect to see more significant decreases next month as recipients exhaust available resources.
In Imperial County, where the California Association of Food Banks estimates nearly 50,000 residents currently rely on CalFresh, the impacts have not been fully realized yet. Imperial County CalFresh recipients are currently exempt from the expanded federal work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents due to a high-unemployment waiver — but that waiver is set to expire on Oct. 31.
Even prior to the eligibility changes, food insecurity was a problem in our region. The 2025 San Diego Community Health Needs Assessment found that food insecurity contributes to rising levels of stress across the region. At the same time, food prices have risen substantially over the past several years while benefits have not kept pace, meaning that even when families receive CalFresh to help cover the cost of food, it isn’t enough.
As health care leaders, you know that improving health extends beyond the walls of our hospitals. Hunger Awareness Month is an opportunity to recognize the role that nutrition plays in overall health and to reaffirm the commitment to ensuring those who live in our region have access to the resources they need to thrive.