
STORIES
Orange County is known for wealth and abundance, yet too many people are at risk of hunger. Here are a few stories of our neighbors in need and how we are helping them.
ENDING POVERTY BY
FIRST ENDING HUNGER
As a connected community of 3.2 million people, we must open our eyes to the reality that hunger lives in the shadows of every city in Orange County. But because even the three largest anti-hunger/anti-poverty organizations can only do so much, we formed the Orange County Hunger Alliance that now leverages a unified approach to making a lasting impact.
Our unique alliance will tackle harmful systemic issues by increasing food distribution efficiencies, minimizing food waste and breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty. When we succeed in these efforts, Orange County will emerge stronger than ever before, ensuring a promising future for everyone in our county.

IN THE NEWS
Here’s where you’ll find links to impactful stories about our work feeding those in need in OC.
- Dinner tables are diverse, so should be their meals, OC food pantries try to emphasize. (The Orange County Register) Kelly Alesi, director of sourcing, logistics and sustainability at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, said centering inclusivity in the organization’s mission ensures that everyone can voice what they want to eat and have a dignified experience at a food bank or food pantry.
- Food Bank is First in World to Get Zero-Waste Certification. (Food Bank News) A series of small changes has enabled Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County to whittle away waste in its operations, making it the first food bank in the world to be certified for its sustainability efforts.
- Press Release: Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County Named First Food Bank in the World to Achieve TRUE Certification for Zero Waste for its Sustainability Efforts. (SHFB) The milestone reflects Second Harvest’s commitment to community health by ensuring as much food as possible reaches those in need and reducing negative environmental impacts.
- Press Release: Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County Welcomes Wayne Stickney, P.H.D, as Chief Development Officer. (SHFB) Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County is pleased to welcome Dr. Wayne Stickney into the role of Chief Development Officer, where his efforts will help Second Harvest continue to address food insecurity through providing dignified, equitable and consistent access to nutritious food for those in need.
- CalFresh Emergency Allotments Will Expire At The End Of March. (LAist) CalFresh food assistance was increased during the pandemic, but those additional allotments will stop at the end of March.