The San Diego Public Health Champions Awards Ceremony celebrated outstanding contributions to community health and well-being on April 12, 2025. Among the honorees was Karen Clay, the President and Founder of I Love to Glean, a nonprofit organization dedicated to food recovery and distribution. Since 2013, Clay has played a pivotal role in addressing food insecurity in the region through her collaborative efforts with various food generators and distribution organizations.

Clay's work has led to the recovery and distribution of over 3.8 million pounds of food, significantly impacting the lives of local residents. She has also prepared and delivered more than 111,000 meals, demonstrating her commitment to ensuring that nourishing food reaches those in need. Her initiatives include coordinating the distribution of USDA Farm to Families boxes and leading the Fish to Families program, which provides fresh fish meals to families in the area.

In addition to her direct food recovery efforts, Clay serves as co-chair for the Promise Zone Healthy Communities Working Group and facilitates hunger relief meetings within the San Diego Promise Zone Nouragement Network. She is currently spearheading the establishment of a community food hub in the South Region, further enhancing local food access.

The ceremony recognized Clay as the South Region Public Health Champion for her tireless dedication to improving food security and health in San Diego. The event also honored other organizations, including Fern Street Community Arts from the Central Region, highlighting the collective efforts of individuals and groups working to foster healthier communities. As San Diego continues to address public health challenges, the contributions of champions like Clay are vital in creating a more equitable and nourished community.