About 13% of the population of San Diego County is food insecure, including over 150,000 children. Despite serious levels of food insecurity in California and across the United States, there are organizations full of people working to get food to those who need it most.
Craig Morreale, Marketing Director of Ace Relocation Systems, an Atlas agent based in San Diego, has played an important role in making Ace Relocation one of Move For Hunger's most reliable partners, having helped collect and transport more than 5,000 pounds of food over the past four years. A personal meeting with our founder, Adam Lowy, had helped seal the deal.
"[We] had heard about the program and had met Adam at the Atlas convention and at the American Moving and Storage Association convention," said Morreale. "We knew it was a great program and should be involved. Once everyone was fully informed of what their roles would be, we began promoting it externally to our prospective customers. We’ve been actively involved since, but now we are an annual sponsor."
When asked if being a part of Move for Hunger has strengthened Ace Relocation's connection with the community, Morreale (pictured above with Robin Skale, Food Procurement Coordinator at the San Diego Food Bank) responded by saying it a "perfect addition" to the other community programs they take part in.
"Ace Relocation has definitely benefited from the association with Move For Hunger. We feel good about what we’re doing for the community, and our customers feel the same way."
The issue of transportation in regards to food security is more overlooked than most people realize, even in the United States. It's often the most critical component to food insecurity. There's more than enough food for everyone, but getting the food to those who need it is the real issue. If transport is readily available, it makes it much easier to address food insecurity.
When asked about the prevalence of food insecurity in San Diego, Morreale said that, "We would like to think that it doesn't exist, but we’re afraid that’s not the case. Regardless of whether it’s getting better or worse, there are still hungry individuals out there who need help. Until that ends completely, Move For Hunger, and we, still have a job to do.
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Craig Morreale's co-worker, Francesca Ashcroft (right) with Carlos Hernandez, Food Center Coordinator at the San Diego Food Bank.[/caption]
"The public sees homelessness and knows about the shelters, but I don’t think they are aware of how many people there are living in homes or apartments that are barely making ends meet and are not able to provide proper nourishment to themselves and their dependents, be it children or aging adults."
Morreale admitted that prior to becoming involved with Move For Hunger, he had never been to a food bank and had no idea of the seriousness of food insecurity.
"Having made several deliveries to the local food bank here in San Diego, I can say that my view has changed. At their location, the warehouse is brimming with food that has been donated, both commercially and individually. They are always happy to have a box or two more, however, as often times all of that inventory still isn’t enough."
When asked if he had plans for an upcoming drive, he responded by saying that he hopes to hold a drive that is not around a holiday.
"We know that’s not the best time since sometimes there’s a surplus. We will set something up for the fall and after the first of the year."
Thanks for the help, Craig! We're looking forward to working together again!
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