URGENT UPDATE: Anni Chung, the dedicated CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly, is spotlighting the struggles of Asian seniors in San Francisco as urgent food program cuts threaten vital support services. Chung, who has transformed her organization from a modest $1 million budget to an impressive $34 million annually, highlights the pressing need for culturally sensitive aid for over 40,000 seniors in the community.
Just announced as one of the 2025 San Franciscans of the Year, Chung emphasizes that the immigrant and monolingual Asian seniors she serves should not suffer in silence. “It’s not about me,” she insists, reflecting on her four decades of service. “It’s about my staff and volunteers who fight tirelessly for our seniors.” This recognition comes at a critical time when funding for essential food programs is being drastically reduced.
Chung’s work is vital, especially as the community grapples with increasing challenges. “We’re facing new hurdles,” she said, referring to the cuts impacting food access. Fortunately, the city has rallied behind efforts to provide emergency food assistance, with Mayor Daniel Lurie and the Crankstart Foundation stepping in with $18 million for emergency food cards.
Since its inception in 1981, Self-Help for the Elderly has been a lifeline, offering culturally appropriate meals and services to a largely low-income population. “In the beginning, we were the only organization serving ethnic meals,” Chung noted. “It took years to get the word out, but now we’ve built a community.” This approach has fostered a sense of belonging for the seniors, with programs tailored to their cultural values.
Chung’s advocacy has extended beyond meal services. Her organization partners with local officials to establish senior centers and grocery distribution points, addressing the needs of neighborhoods with significant Asian populations. “We discovered that District 11, home to a diverse community, lacked service providers for Asian seniors,” she stated. “Now, we have a thriving center serving hundreds of families.”
The impact of Chung’s work resonates deeply within the community. “San Francisco is a place full of love, but we’ve faced challenges, including anti-Asian hate,” she reflected. “We must unite to combat hunger and poverty.” Her commitment to empowering seniors to participate in local governance is pivotal. “We encourage them to voice their needs and demand action,” she affirmed.
Chung is also optimistic about the involvement of younger generations. “About 50% of my staff are from younger generations, and they bring fresh perspectives,” she shared. “When challenges arise, our youth step up to help.” This intergenerational collaboration is crucial as the organization navigates ongoing funding issues.
“We need to amplify senior voices and stories,” Chung urged. “Our culture often suffers in silence, and we must ensure seniors feel valued in our community.” With increased public support, she believes more can be done to address the needs of this vulnerable population.
As Chung continues her fight, the community is encouraged to support her mission. “We lack a big technology budget for marketing, but we focus on direct service,” she explained. “Every bit of awareness helps us reach those in need.”
In her personal life, Chung enjoys local dining favorites like Harborview and Lai Hong Lounge, where she feels a sense of community. But her main focus remains clear: fighting for the dignity and needs of Asian seniors in San Francisco.
The time to act is now. As food programs face cuts and the community struggles, Chung’s message is urgent: “We don’t easily give up. We will keep pushing for our seniors.”
