Mayor Lurie Signs Legislation Establishing New Office To Combat Food Insecurity in San Francisco
New Office Will Centralize City Response, Strengthen Coordination, and Advise on Long-Term Solutions Through New Food Security Council
SAN FRANCISCO – Mayor Daniel Lurie today signed legislation strengthening the city’s response to food insecurity, helping families put food on the table as the federal government makes it harder for them to access essential assistance. The new Office of Food Security Coordination, located within the San Francisco Human Services Agency (SFHSA), will centralize the city’s food access programs and drive stronger collaboration across departments while leveraging community organizations and philanthropic partners. The legislation establishing the office was introduced by Mayor Lurie in July and passed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors.
The new office builds on Mayor Lurie’s work to help San Francisco families provide for basic needs. When last year’s federal government shutdown jeopardized SNAP benefits nationwide—known as CalFresh in California—Mayor Lurie brought together public and philanthropic partners to backfill food assistance para sa 112,000 San Franciscans Sa loob lang ng isang linggo. Matapos bawasan ng pederal na pamahalaan ang daan-daang milyong dolyar para sa healthcare at food assistance sa pamamagitan ng H.R. 1 bill, ginawa ni Mayor Lurie Malaking pamumuhunan upang palakasin ang social safety net ng lungsod Sa budget ngayong taon, kabilang na Dolyar34 milyon para matulungan ang mga Pilipino na manatiling naka-enroll in CalFresh and Medi-Cal benefits. Mayor Lurie launched a public outreach campaign in August to provide San Franciscans with tools for retaining healthcare and food assistance following the H.R. 1 cuts. In September, the Lurie administration announced nearly $6 million in new grant agreements with United Way Bay Area and Project Open Hand to identify opportunities to help San Franciscans meet new federal work requirements to retain food assistance.
“San Francisco should be a city where families can stay and put down roots,” said Mayor Lurie. “As the cost of living rises, our administration is expanding access to childcare, tackling our rent emergency, and stepping up for families as Washington cuts critical assistance they rely on. This new office takes the next step to help San Franciscans keep food on the table and make sure we continue to be a city where families can thrive.”
The new Office of Food Security Coordination will centralize the city’s food security strategy while strengthening collaboration across multiple departments and community partners. As of 2023, nine different city entities provided food-related programs and services, although over 70% of funds are administered by SFHSA. A new Konseho ng Seguridad sa Pagkain will advise on sustainable, long-term solutions that move beyond emergency relief and ensure every resident has reliable access to culturally appropriate and nutritious food regardless of economic or social circumstances.
“Access to nutritious, culturally appropriate food is a fundamental human right, and our city is committed to fighting food insecurity,” said Trent Rhorer, San Francisco Human Services Agency Executive Director. “We envision a San Francisco where every resident can access the food they and their families need to thrive, and this office will help us work toward achieving these goals.”
In fiscal year 2024-25, SFHSA distributed 4.4 million meals, 1.27 million grocery bags, and 196,000 grocery vouchers. The city’s food security programs have a measurable impact on residents: 93% of clients served by SFHSA’s community food programs reported that they and their families were less hungry because of those programs, and over 94% of older adults and adults with disabilities reported being less worried about accessing sufficient food due to these supports.
“Our programs, delivered in partnership with community organizations, help reduce hunger and isolation in older adults and individuals with disabilities while serving as connections to other supportive programs, which are critical to addressing food insecurity and improving the quality of life for San Franciscans,” said Kelly Dearman, Department of Disability and Aging Services Executive Director. “Older adults and those with disabilities face heightened risks of food insecurity, which contribute to malnutrition, chronic health conditions, and reduced independence, particularly for low-income individuals. We look forward to working with our partners to reach more people who need nutritional support.”
“Ensuring access to healthy, nutritious food is critical to good health and wellbeing,” said Daniel Tsai, Department of Public Health Director. “With the Office of Food Security Coordination, San Francisco is strengthening our coordination to provide a unified, equitable approach to food stability so residents can live healthy and fulfilling lives.”
“FAACTS was founded during the pandemic when the city demonstrated an unprecedented level of coordination to feed San Franciscans,” said Jade Quizon, Food and Agriculture Action Coalition Toward Sovereignty (FAACTS) Project Director. “We applaud Mayor Lurie and SFHSA’s commitment to continuing what was started in a chaotic and uncertain time, and we look forward to continuing to work together to build a resilient food system.”
“Real progress means centering the people with lived experience of food insecurity in the mandate for this office and addressing both the causes and consequences of food insecurity,” said Tanis Crosby, San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Executive Director. “With hunger in San Francisco at historic levels and SNAP cuts looming, we’re excited to be working with this office, the city and county of San Francisco, and the community to make meaningful change and impact.”
“This new office means the city of San Francisco can do more with its partners to get nutritious groceries and meals into the hands of families across the city,” said District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter. “Working with longtime community partners, this office will build strong foundations so that our residents don’t have to worry about the challenges of putting food on the table.”
“Fighting food insecurity requires more than good intentions or increased investment alone. It requires a coordinated strategy, clear accountability, and a commitment to reaching the people who need help most,” said District 4 Supervisor Alan Wong. “This legislation will strengthen San Francisco’s response by bringing city agencies and community organizations together, identifying gaps in services, and ensuring that our resources are where they can make the greatest difference.”
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