Feeding Kids

Feeding San Diego’s Backpack Program ensures kids have nutritious food over the weekend, bridging the gap between school meals. Each week, participating students receive an easy-to-carry bag filled with healthy staples and fresh produce. This discreet system, set up by teachers who identify students in need, allows kids to pick up their food packages on Thursday or Friday afternoons. By partnering with schools where at least 50% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, we’re making sure kids return to school on Monday well-nourished and ready to learn, supporting both their health and academic success.

Our School Pantry program brings nutritious food directly to where families with children already gather – their local schools. By providing free, fresh produce and pantry staples, we help close the financial gap for families and ensure kids have the healthy food they need to thrive. Typically held twice a month and managed by school staff or parent volunteers, these pantries transform school spaces into welcoming food distribution hubs. Parents can easily pick up a variety of nutritious ingredients, empowering them to create wholesome meals at home that support their children’s growth and development.

When school’s out for summer, many kids lose access to reliable daily meals. Our Summer Meals program steps in to fill this crucial gap, especially important since over half of K-12 students in San Diego County qualify for free or reduced-price meals. While California’s Universal Meals Program covers school-year nutrition, families often struggle during summer months. That’s where we come in, hosting meal distributions at various kid-friendly locations like after-school programs, libraries, and rec centers. By providing nutritious options throughout summer, we help ensure kids stay healthy, active, and ready to return to school in the fall.

The Feeding San Diego Marketplace, located at our Sorrento Valley headquarters, offers a welcoming and dignified shopping experience for families. This innovative approach allows parents and caregivers to personally select no-cost groceries once a month, including dry goods, frozen protein, and fresh produce. By providing a variety of nutritious options, we empower families to choose foods that meet their children’s preferences and nutritional needs. This supports not only the physical health of kids but also their sense of normalcy and well-being, as families can prepare familiar and comforting meals despite financial challenges.