Food Justice Community Action Plan

Food is a basic need for people’s health and wellness, and it reflects our cultural identity. San Diego county has a robust food system, with a strong farm and fishing industry, over 15,000 diverse food facilities, a year-round growing season, and more than 30 farmers markets.

But food security only exists when everyone has regular access to enough food to meet their needs.

The County has developed a Food Justice Community Action Plan to increase food security throughout the region. While not comprehensive, the action plan integrates community ideas into a next steps-guide to bolster momentum for collaborative change to improve food access and reduce food insecurity in the region.

• Board of Supervisors Presentation: The action plan was presented to the Board of Supervisors on Wednesday, December 11. More information is available on the Board of Supervisors Meeting Agenda website.

Community participation is central to this effort.

Five key themes were explored through outreach and engagement:

1. Government, community-based organizations, and private interests working together
2. Better access and food options from government programs, charitable organizations and school meals
3. Investments in food education, including nutrition education
4. Supporting food as medicine, including breastfeeding
5. Root causes, such as support for broad financial stability

Community roundtables were held throughout the region in August and September 2024 and online input was collected through October 7th. Additionally, the County held a workshop and tabling activity at the 4th Annual Gathering for Food Vision 2030 on October 17th.

Next Steps

The action plan was received by the Board of Supervisors, with direction for staff to report back with details for implementing 13 specific unfunded actions. Key priorities directed by the Board include defining how food insecurity is measured, expanding community gardens and agricultural leases, supporting food recovery systems, increasing access to locally grown produce, and updating emergency response plans to incorporate community input for improving food access and food security during emergencies.

County staff will report back to the Board with the compiled findings in April 2025. The report back will inform the FY25/26 Budget process and will include cost estimates, timelines, and implementation needs. Additional information is available in the following County e-newsletter.

Community participation remains central to this effort, and your voice matters. Stay tuned as the County works to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable food system for all!