A grassroots food bank, Porchlight Community Services, has been helping families who fall within the gap of not qualifying for government assistance but not being able to fully afford their food costs. Started in 2017 by Claudia Montenegro, the food bank has now grown to a new location in Kearny Mesa, offering affordable groceries to families. The program not only helps with food costs but also promotes eco-friendliness and allows clients to choose their own groceries.
Porchlight Community Services: Empowering Families in Need
Background
Porchlight Community Services is a grassroots food bank that was established in 2017 to address a critical need in San Diego County. The food bank provides affordable groceries to families who fall within the gap of not qualifying for government assistance but being unable to fully afford their food costs.
Mission and Impact
Porchlight's mission is to alleviate food insecurity by providing affordable food and empowering families to make healthy choices. The food bank has grown exponentially since its inception and now has a new location in Kearny Mesa.
Porchlight offers a unique approach to food assistance that prioritizes choice and dignity. Clients can select their own groceries from a wide variety of healthy and affordable options, promoting self-reliance and fostering a sense of empowerment.
In addition to reducing food insecurity, Porchlight also promotes eco-friendliness by partnering with local food rescue organizations to distribute surplus food that would otherwise go to waste.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the eligibility criteria for Porchlight's services?
Porchlight does not have income requirements. They assist families who are struggling financially but may not qualify for government assistance.
2. How much does it cost to shop at Porchlight?
Grocery prices at Porchlight are significantly discounted. Families pay approximately 25-30% of the retail value of the food they purchase.
3. What types of food are available at Porchlight?
Porchlight offers a wide selection of healthy and affordable food items, including fresh produce, meat, dairy, non-perishable goods, and household essentials.
4. How can I support Porchlight?
There are several ways to support Porchlight, including volunteering, donating food or funds, and spreading the word about their services.
5. How has Porchlight been affected by current events?
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased demand for food assistance services. Porchlight has adapted by implementing safety measures, such as online ordering and curbside pickup, to continue providing essential food to those in need.
Conclusion
Porchlight Community Services is a vital resource for families facing food insecurity in San Diego County. The food bank's affordable groceries, empowering approach, and commitment to eco-friendliness make a real difference in the lives of those they serve. By supporting Porchlight, we can empower families and create a more just and equitable community.
On June 1 each year, World Milk Day is observed to recognize the vital role that milk plays in the daily diets of people around the world. From plain milk to its many derivatives like butter, cheese, and yogurt, the dairy industry is a crucial component in meeting the nutritional needs of billions of individuals. The 2025 celebration will focus on the theme "Let’s Celebrate The Power of Dairy" to highlight the importance and impact of dairy farming and production. Established by the FAO, this day serves to acknowledge the contributions of the global dairy industry and falls on June 1 to coincide with existing national milk days in various countries.
As Goa marks its 39th statehood day, we reflect on its journey from a Portuguese colony to a full-fledged state of India. With its rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and warm hospitality, Goa continues to thrive and contribute to the country's growth. On this occasion, let's cherish and preserve Goa's identity and celebrate the state's progress and prosperity.
Hindu social media influencer Sharmishtha, who was a victim of online threats, has been arrested by Kolkata Police for speaking out against the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Despite receiving rape and death threats from Muslim users, no action was taken against them and the victim has been taken into custody. The incident has sparked outrage on social media and is raising questions about freedom of expression and impartiality of the police. A court hearing is scheduled for Saturday (31 May) to shed more light on the issue.
Valmik Thapar, a leading voice in Indian wildlife protection and literature, passed away at the age of 73 after a battle with cancer. Hailing from a distinguished family, Thapar devoted his career to studying and conserving tigers, co-founding a pioneering NGO and participating in over 150 government committees. Known for his dissenting views on human-tiger coexistence, Thapar's literary contributions and acclaimed wildlife documentaries have helped elevate public awareness of India's rich biodiversity.
Get a fresh look at world issues from an Indian viewpoint with our e-newspaper, providing in-depth analysis and context to the day's events. Stay informed and gain a new perspective on international news through the lens of Indian reporting.
As summer break approaches, the Houston Food Bank has launched a program to ensure that children who rely on school meals during the academic year are still able to receive healthy meals. The Summer Food Service Program will provide no-cost meals to children ages 18 and younger, as well as students with disabilities up to age 21, starting on June 2. This initiative by the Houston Food Bank is helping to fill the gap and combat food shortages after federal program cuts.
Despite the efforts of local food banks, including the Community Food Bank of Grand Junction and Western Slope Food Bank of the Rockies, data from Feeding America's annual report, Map The Meal Gap, shows an increase in food insecurity for Mesa County residents in 2025. Alisha Wenger, executive director of the Community Food Bank, emphasizes the link between food security and community health, while Sue Ellen Rodwick, director of the Western Slope Food Bank, draws on her personal experience as a single mother to continue her work in fighting food insecurity.
The Hindu, one of India's most prominent newspapers, introduces its latest feature, the e-Paper. With this new addition, readers can now enjoy the view of world affairs from an Indian perspective, daily news highlights from Karnataka, news and reviews from the entertainment industry, the top 5 technology stories of the day, insights from science writers, data analysis of headlines, health tips, and updates from the world of books - all in one convenient place. Stay informed and entertained with the e-Paper by The Hindu.
A concerned parent reached out to parenting expert, Moncrieff, for advice on their two-year-old son's recent aggressive behavior towards other children at creche. With a six-month-old daughter at home, the parent is worried about their son's behavior and is looking for guidance on how to handle the situation. Moncrieff and other parenting experts provide helpful tips and techniques for managing a toddler's aggression.
A woman in Singapore shared her experience of being pressured to give only positive feedback, even during so-called anonymous surveys. After initially thinking it was a genuine effort to hear employees' voices, she and her colleagues were asked to redo the survey twice, with their full names included. Many Singaporeans on Reddit shared similar experiences of feeling pressure to only say positive things, despite their companies emphasizing the importance of honest feedback. Is this a common occurrence in other workplaces?