St. Anthony's Foundation serves record Christmas feast amid rising food insecurity

St. Anthony's Foundation in San Francisco is preparing its biggest meal of the year for Christmas. Chef Efrain Gomez, who once relied on the charity himself, will oversee the feast for around 2,500 people in need. The event comes as food insecurity in the city continues to rise sharply.

The 75-year-old foundation has long served the Tenderloin neighbourhood with dignity, but demand has surged in recent years. Nearly twice as many Christmas meals are now served compared to just two years ago. This year's menu features Korean-style chicken, cilantro rice, Italian flatbread, fresh cookies, and a vegetarian option.

Gomez, who struggled with addiction before finding stability, is leading the kitchen for the first time on Christmas Day. The chefs take pride in testing new recipes and listening to feedback from guests. John Kumagai, a retired baker and regular visitor, rates the meals four out of five stars. The growing need reflects wider challenges in San Francisco. Data from the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank shows around 140,000 people faced acute food insecurity in 2023. More residents than ever are turning to St. Anthony's for support.

The foundation's Christmas feast will provide hot meals to thousands in the Tenderloin. With food insecurity on the rise, the charity's role has become even more vital. Gomez and his team aim to serve every guest with the same care that once helped him rebuild his own life.