ENSURE VETERANS HAVE FOOD ON THEIR TABLES

Food insecurity is rising across our country, throughout California, and here in the Bay Area. Veterans – especially those experiencing homelessness – are among the hardest hit.

A livable income is increasingly out of reach. Nearly all the veterans we serve – 92% – are living in poverty. The majority live on $1,000 per month, leaving less than $600 for groceries and other basic needs after paying their share of rent.

That simply isn’t enough with today’s rising food prices and cost of living. Too many of the men and women who served our country are forced to choose between paying a bill, buying groceries, or filling a prescription. No veteran should have to make that choice.

At Swords to Plowshares, we serve daily meals and keep food pantries stocked across our six housing sites and Veteran Centers in San Francisco and Oakland, so veterans always have a place to turn for food.

Yet the need continues to grow. Food pantries are stretched thin, and SNAP benefits that more than 115,000 California veterans rely on remain in flux. Here in the Bay Area, over 60% of veterans report struggling to afford enough food – placing them at the heart of this growing crisis.

Meet Benjamin Redd, U.S. Army veteran

Benjamin, 74, is regularly found in the communal dining room at Jon W. Paulson Veterans Community, Swords’ Presidio housing site. Growing up in a military family, some of Benjamin’s fondest memories include experiencing the different foods he tried while traveling wherever his father’s career took him. Attending daily meals with his neighbors, fellow veterans, reminds him of those good times.

Meet Mike Bartell, U.S. Marine Corps veteran

Mike, 73, endured two knee replacements while living at Maceo May Apartments, Swords’ housing site on Treasure Island. Getting around San Francisco isn’t easy when you’re recovering – accessing food from the pantry in his building meant he didn’t have to worry about where his next meal would come from, and he could solely focus on healing.