Costa Mesa proclaims September 2025 Hunger Action Month, highlights food‑bank partnerships

The Costa Mesa City Council on Tuesday proclaimed September 2025 as Hunger Action Month and heard a presentation from Second Harvest Food Bank and the Orange County Hunger Alliance describing elevated local need and volunteer opportunities.

Deputy Mayor John B. Stevens read the proclamation acknowledging local food insecurity and the city’s partnerships with countywide hunger relief organizations. Sarah Bazant, director of marketing at Second Harvest Food Bank, told the council that Orange County food banks collectively distributed more than 42,000,000 pounds of food in the most recent fiscal year and that approximately 359,000 county residents were estimated to be food insecure, including roughly 86,000 children.

Why it matters: Councilmembers emphasized the role of local nonprofits, faith groups and schools in distributing food and noted the city’s support for volunteer drives and pantry programs. Speakers stressed that hunger remains elevated in Orange County and urged residents to volunteer, donate or host local drives during September.

What was presented: The Orange County Hunger Alliance — a network of anti‑hunger organizations — outlined outreach and volunteer events scheduled for the month and provided a reference to Second Harvest’s campaign website for residents who want to find local ways to help.

Next steps: The council presented the proclamation to Second Harvest representatives and expected staff to amplify local volunteer opportunities via the city’s channels during September.