In the San Francisco Bay Area, hunger remains a serious problem. Many people falsely believe that hunger only affects individuals and families struggling with homelessness, but area food banks overwhelmingly serve workers with homes and families who make low wages. Those facing homelessness actually account for less than one-fifth of the total number of clients served.
Between 2008 and 2011, the number of people struggling with hunger in San Francisco increased by 14 percent, and problems exist in all neighborhoods of the city and beyond. Many families do not meet the requirements for federal assistance because they do not meet minimums that fail to take into account the high cost of living in the Bay Area. Families of three only qualify for food assistance if they make less than $25,000 annually, and their monthly benefit would total $14 at that level. If you want to help feed a local family, contact your place of worship or a food bank in your area.