Hunger has come along with job losses during pandemic-related shutdowns. In the Bay Area, food banks continue to see long lines. The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank has roughly doubled the number of people it serves since before the pandemic. The cost of procuring that food, meanwhile, is rising as federal aid programs expire.
Labor
‘Waging Change’ Documents Worker Movement to End Tipped Minimum Wage
In “Waging Change,” a new documentary from filmmaker Abby Ginzberg, workers explain the toll that the tipped minimum wage takes on their pay, safety and families. On this episode of “Civic,” Ginzberg and Saru Jayaraman, director of the Food Labor Research Center at the University of California, Berkeley and co-founder of One Fair Wage, say the tipped minimum wage is directly linked with sexual harassment and racial discrimination in the workplace.
Food Systems
As State Sues Over Impending Food Stamp Changes, How Could S.F. Be Affected?
The Trump administration has tightened a requirement that adults without disabilities and without dependent children must work at least 20 hours a week to access food stamps, a change expected to go into effect in April.
“Civic” Podcast
Former Public Press Journalist Reflects on Covering S.F. Affordability Crisis
Journalist Angela Woodall looks back on her reporting for the Public Press on the deep, but then not immediately visible effects of San Francisco’s affordability crisis, and how campaign ad language made its way into news coverage during the 2015 election. “It comes with the territory of the San Francisco Public Press that whatever reporting you’re doing is going to look beneath the surface and have a much deeper dive on whatever topic it is.” – Journalist Angela Woodall
Food Systems
State Law Cracks Down on Free Public Meals
Many city residents who are not housed or are food insecure depend on humanitarian aid from Food Not Bombs to survive. But state regulations taking effect in January jeopardize the group’s 35-year mission of sharing food outside the confines of government bureaucracy.
City Hall
Nomads by the Bay: Homeless Camp Faces Cycle of Displacement
The story of Box City reflects the city’s shifting approach to homeless encampments and the impact on their residents. Many believed the navigation centers — touted as a model of moving people from “street to home” — would lead to long-term housing. But they were left demoralized and jaded about the government’s ability to help them.
City Hall
Study: Health, Economic Benefits Emerging From Mexico’s ‘Soda Tax’
A Mexican tax on sugary beverages has reduced consumption since 2014, and as a result is projected to help cut rates of diabetes, improve overall health and bring other indirect cost savings, according to a study published Tuesday.
Economy & Business
A Tale of Two Markets
Mid-Market stores are worlds apart, a sign of rapid change.
Economy & Business
Well-Off Foodies, Bargain-Hunters, Cruise Different Aisles
Two different stores that target two distinct populations with different priorities: One serves the area’s longtime Latino residents; the other caters to those who can afford premium prices for freshness and the cachet of buying from local vendors.
Food Systems
Bay Area Food Stamp Recipients Can Soon Shop Online
Bay Area residents who rely on food stamps to buy groceries soon will be able to use them online.