Agency Spotlight: Food for Life

This month, Feeding San Diego’s partnership team is recognizing Food for Life, a small-scale grocery distribution led by founders Mike and Melissa Ottolini under the Life Christian Church of Vista. Started last July, Food for Life now serves nearly 200 families each week. Their efforts demonstrate the power of a nutritious meal and the commitment from neighbors, for neighbors.

Community Driven

Community is at the heart of Food for Life’s mission and support network. In addition to the weekly donations delivered via Feeding San Diego’s distribution center, Mike and Melissa’s team of volunteers pick up from donors across the region, including Costco, Smart & Final, Sprout’s, WinCo, and more. They work tirelessly throughout the week, though most of their pickups occur early Saturday morning before their distribution. Their efforts have grown exponentially. In just nine months, they have more than doubled the amount of food rescued each month. And they’re not done yet!

The Different Faces of Hunger

Food is life. Even the simplest task seems daunting on an empty stomach, and Food for Life knows this better than most. While local families and individuals from all walks of life may be forced to make difficult decisions to fund their next meal, it can still be challenging to ask for help. In March 2023, less than 200,000 households in the county received financial grocery assistance through Cal Fresh. However, the San Diego Hunger Coalition states that 23% of San Diegans still experience nutrition insecurity. Food for Life offers free groceries and various staples, operating a first-come, first-serve model, with no questions asked.

Visit a Food for Life Distribution

We are incredibly grateful to Mike, Melissa, and their team’s hard work and could not pursue Feeding San Diego’s mission without them. Food for Life gives away free boxes of groceries every Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. or until food runs out. Please see their flyer for the address and more information.