About Us

We’re on a mission to connect every person facing hunger with nutritious meals by maximizing food rescue.

Established in 2007, Feeding San Diego is the leading hunger-relief and food rescue organization in San Diego County and the only Feeding America partner food bank in the region.

Feeding San Diego provides more than 35.4 million meals every year to children, families, seniors, college students, military families, veterans, people facing homelessness, and other underserved populations. We distribute meals in partnership with nearly 350 local charities, schools, faith communities, meal sites, and food pantries throughout the region. Learn more about how we work.

Ending Hunger Through Food Rescue

Feeding San Diego agency partner Bridge of Hope free food distribution on June 10, 2022.

38 percent of food produced in the United States goes to waste. That means there is more than enough food available to end hunger. By partnering with over 770 food donors in San Diego County and over 120 farms and packing sheds throughout California, Feeding San Diego rescues high-quality food before it goes to waste.

In 2022-2023, nearly 76 percent of the food we provided to the community was rescued.

By diverting this food from the landfill, Feeding San Diego significantly reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Learn more about Our Impact.

In addition to rescuing and distributing high-quality food, Feeding San Diego helps individuals enroll in CalFresh (formerly known as food stamps). This program helps those in need purchase groceries for their families.

Feeding San Diego Vision graphic on rainbow sun of colors

Mission

Connect every person facing hunger with nutritious meals by maximizing food rescue

Our Values: A.S.C.E.N.D.

Agility: We are dedicated to adaptability, flexibility and continuous improvement

Stewardship: We are committed to managing every gift of time, funds and voice responsibly

Collaboration: We partner throughout the community to maximize reach and efficiency

Environment: We protect the environment through responsible food sourcing and business practices

Nutrition: We know that nutritious food is a transformative force to health and well-being

Dignity: We embrace diversity and believe in the power of dignity and kindness

Feeding San Diego staff collage

Our History

As one of the newest hunger-relief organizations in the Feeding America network, Feeding San Diego’s first distribution was held on October 9, 2007 in the parking lot at San Diego Rescue Mission. Several weeks later, San Diego County suffered from disastrous firestorms that displaced hundreds of thousands of individuals. In the first week of the fire with only two employees, Feeding San Diego secured and delivered 515,000 pounds of emergency supplies, including food, water, and other grocery items, to evacuees, firefighters, and volunteers.

Special thanks to Red Cross, Salvation Army, Father Joe’s Villages, Catholic Charities, Rock Church, San Diego Rescue Mission, Homeland Security, FEMA, City of San Diego, County of San Diego and other nonprofit agencies who supported our efforts during the firestorms and early stages of our development.

In February of 2008, Feeding San Diego moved into a 30,000 square-foot warehouse to better serve families in need. Later in 2010, the organization relocated to a new 50,000 square-foot distribution center in Sorrento Valley and quickly emerged as the leading hunger-relief organization in the county the following year. In September 2020, amid the global COVID-19 pandemic, Feeding San Diego moved into a new facility with enhanced capability to serve the community.

Inspired by the Starfish Story

“One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy hurriedly picking up and gently throwing things into the ocean.

Approaching the boy, he asked, “Young man, what are you doing?”

The boy replied, “Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I don’t throw them back, they’ll die.”

The man laughed to himself and said, “Don’t you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t make any difference!”

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish, and threw it into the surf. Then, smiling at the man, he said, “I made a difference to that one.”

– Loren Eiseley

 

We all have the power to create positive change in the world, yet sometimes it can feel overwhelming, especially when the goal is to help end hunger through food rescue. The Starfish Story is a reminder that each and every life we touch matters. All actions, big or small, make a difference.

Proud to Be a Partner of Feeding America

As the largest domestic hunger-relief organization in the United States, Feeding America represents more than 200 partner food banks across the country.

Feeding San Diego is an independent nonprofit organization operating and funding local programs in San Diego County. That means that every dollar donated stays in our local community. Our membership in the national network provides access to product donations, professional resources, and information technology.

Partner Food Bank of Feeding America logo

Get Involved

Give Funds

We rely on the generosity of individuals, corporations, foundations, and community groups to realize our mission. Through our highly efficient sourcing and distribution model, every dollar donated helps provide nutritious meals for people facing hunger.

Give Funds

Give Time

We could not achieve the impact we do without the generous support of our amazing volunteers! Individuals and groups help with a variety of projects, including sorting, gleaning, bagging, and boxing food, as well as food distributions, community engagement activities, and administrative support.

Give Time

Give Voice

Our supporters use their voice and platforms to help educate their friends, family, colleagues, and communities about the issue of hunger across San Diego County. Further, they support public policies that improve the lives of people experiencing food insecurity.

Give Voice