San Francisco Food Bank urges funding to combat food insecurity during public comment

The San Francisco County government meeting held on July 4, 2025, opened with a public comment session, allowing community members to voice their concerns. The session began with the chair inviting public input on agenda item number one.

Marshawn Tadman, the government affairs manager for the San Francisco Moran Food Bank, was the sole caller to provide comments. He highlighted the ongoing issue of food insecurity, emphasizing the need for the board to prioritize food equity in their budget discussions. Tadman noted that the demand for food assistance has increased significantly since the onset of the pandemic, and he urged the board to recognize that this need is likely to persist beyond the immediate crisis.

He detailed the challenges faced by the food bank, including long lines at distribution sites and a lack of adequate space for operations. Tadman mentioned the food bank's ambitious $40 million expansion plan, which has already secured over $35 million in private funding. He also raised concerns about potential federal funding cuts, which could jeopardize over 40% of their food supply, alongside reduced county funding.

After Tadman's remarks, the public comment period concluded with no additional callers in the queue. The chair then opened the floor for further questions or comments from the board members related to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

The meeting underscored the critical issues surrounding food insecurity in San Francisco, with a clear call for continued support and funding to address these challenges. The board's response to these concerns will be pivotal in shaping future initiatives aimed at combating food inequity in the community.