
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.
- At 40, OC’s Second Harvest Food Bank works to put itself out of business. (The Orange County Register) What started as a church group giving out dented cans of soup and boxes of cereal is now a complex operation to feed the hungry.
- Many Orange County Residents Still Struggle Putting Food on Table. (Voice of OC) Orange County food bank leaders don’t see the need for food dropping anytime soon after a sharp increase in demand during the COVID-19 pandemic and a food cliff that hit not long after when beefed up food stamps ended.
- The Great 24-Hour Nutrition Mission: Second Harvest Food Bank. (KTLA 5) Gayle Anderson previews the Second Harvest Food Bank’s Tuesday, October 24th, GREAT 24-HOUR NUTRITION MISSION. The one-day online giving campaign supports the food bank’s operations and programs such as Harvest Solutions Farm.
- OC Leader Board: 40 Years of Nourishing Ever-Evolving OC. (Orange County Business Journal) In the first year, we operated out of a humble, 10,000-square-foot former citrus packing warehouse in Orange. We had 53 partner agencies and distributed 2.7 million pounds of food to the community. We now have almost 300 partners and distribute over 36 million pounds. On Oct. 24, 2023, we will commemorate our 40th anniversary of serving local children, seniors and working families with dignity, equity and consistency, thanks to underwriter Ralphs and Food4Less.
- 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.