N. Diane Moss has dedicated a significant portion of her life to community organizing and activism. Back in the '70s, she made San Diego her home after coming down from Los Angeles to study at UCSD and later buying a property in Southeastern San Diego in the '80s. However, it was in 2008 during a conversation with Ellee Igoe, Foodshed's director and co-founder, that a profound realization dawned on her - food justice is social justice. "I never considered food as an issue or the sourcing of food as such," Moss recalls. "But when she pointed out that it's not about scarcity; it's about people making decisions and us not being a priority."

Food Insecurity in San Diego

In San Diego, nearly 800,000 people, which is one in four residents, face food insecurity. Many of these individuals, like Moss herself, live in Southeast San Diego. She witnessed the community's needs on a daily basis - the lack of access to healthy foods, grocery stores, and community gardens. This realization became a catalyst for action. "Just like any other social justice issue, an underinvested or marginalized community not getting the necessary assets is a problem," she explains. "An organizer's role here is to raise awareness among people and demand better."

Project New Village's Initiatives

Now, Moss is the managing director of Project New Village, which began as a community hub in 1994 and shifted its focus to food equity in 2008, formally becoming a 501(c) 3 nonprofit in 2010. The group focuses on five zip codes, including neighborhoods like Southcrest, Logan Heights, Skyline, Paradise Hills, Chollas View, and Oak Park - all known as some of the most food-insecure areas in the county.The project runs a mobile farmers market that visits eight sites per week within the "Good Food District" and coordinates a network of 16 backyard growers who sell or donate their crops for distribution. They also help establish community gardens; Moss estimates that by the end of the year, there will be five garden sites at different schools and churches. Additionally, they aim to open a commercial kitchen and food hub called The Village for local entrepreneurs to rent and start their food businesses in Mount Hope."We have assembled the necessary construction, architectural, and engineering teams - everything is ready to go," Moss explains. "What we need now is to continue raising funds for the construction and then open the building."

Annual Fundraiser and Volunteer Opportunities

The group's biggest fundraiser of the year, the 13th Annual Fannie Lou Hamer Legacy Celebration, will take place on Thursday, December 5, at Park & Market from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The proceeds will directly support Project New Village's initiatives. Moss emphasizes that even if people can't attend, there are numerous ways to volunteer their time with the group."But, it's important to come prepared to listen," she adds. "I work with others who come from outside to fix a problem, but I live here. The answers come from these conversations and people getting involved to help, not to guide or lead, but to contribute with strategies that can transform communities like ours."Tickets for the fundraising celebration are available here.

San Diego Restaurant News and Food Events

Valle is hosting multiple holiday gathering options this year. From Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and private dining, this Michelin-starred beachside restaurant offers a great dining experience without the hassle of cooking at home. Make your reservations early to avoid disappointment.Regarding Beth's Bites, there seems to be some uncertainty about Chef Jun's plans - whether it's a relocation or opening a second location. The Midway District/Sports Arena redevelopment plans also add an element of curiosity. Moss has been on a sandwich streak and is now looking for suggestions on the next sandwich to try in San Diego. She can be reached at [email protected].On December 5, boxer Canelo Álvarez and his brother Ricardo are opening El Pastor Del Rica Taqueria in Chula Vista, a Jalisco-inspired taco shop. Moss, although not a boxing expert, is excited about the new taco joint as she knows a lot about tacos.There is always breaking news, exciting scoops, or great stories about new San Diego restaurants and the food scene. If you have any such pitches, send them to [email protected].