Service Learning Lessons for High School Students
The Hunger Prevention Project develops teen leaders by actively engaging them in reducing hunger insecurity in the San Diego area. Through 10 weeks of service learning lessons and leadership development, approximately 60 high school students participate in the project. Partner schools include Morse High School, Point Loma High School, and Hoover High School from San Diego Unified School District.
The program includes weekly service learning and leadership workshops. We educate participants about food insecurity, trained as hunger advocates, and engaged as volunteers through these skill-based leadership trainings. Furthermore, students receive volunteer opportunities at local food banks and pantries. As a result, they are empowered to develop and implement their own service projects like awareness events and food drives.
Food insecurity in San Diego
Why is learning about food insecurity and hunger prevention important? Food insecurity affects nearly 400,000 people in San Diego County, according to Feeding America. Many of these people are youth with growing bodies and minds who need the nourishment. While San Diego appears secure in comparison to the national average, in sheer numbers, the area has one of the highest numbers of food-insecure people. This means that hundreds of thousands of people do not have access to affordable and nutritional food.
This program is funded in part by San Diego Gas and Electric.