Meals4Hunger

Description

Meals4Hunger is a non-profit organization founded by surgeon Sunil Bhoyrul, MD in San Diego, CA focused on eradicating hunger locally and expanding impact nationally. In 2008, more than 300,000 San Diegans out of 3,000,000 faced hunger (food insecurity) at some point during the year. Current estimates indicate that 1 out of every 7 Americans currently face hunger. In San Diego County, categorically 2/3 of those affected by hunger are head of household women, 12% are homeless 10% are elderly, and 50% are working families.

The impact of food insecurity to San Diego County goes beyond the next one to two years, as it most heavily affects children in critical stages of their growing years. There is a correlation between food insecurity and increased risk for poor health, nutrition, and growth as well as developmental delays. In adults, this impacts local communities in long term productivity and earnings as well as health, morbidity and mortality rates.

Businesses can promote their involvement and attract consumers through displaying the Meals4Hunger partner logo. By choosing to purchase items or buy from stores that participate by donating "mealbucks," consumers have an opportunity to eliminate hunger locally, which directly impacts the communities in which they reside.

By using competitive small business practices, local communities can eradicate hunger. If consumers base their choice of products or services on the knowledge that a portion of the proceeds will be used to feed a hungry San Diegan, businesses are stimulated to compete and will attract consumers as a result of this socially responsible practice.

Meals4Hunger was established in 2008 as Obesity for Hunger, built on Dr. Bhoyrul's idea and vision of a simple "giving back" concept. He made the commitment to donate 50 meals for every bariatric surgery performed, to fight against hunger.

Today, Meals4Hunger has provided thousands of meals feeding local San Diego residents through community focused activities and events.