Feeding San Diego Expanding School Pantry Program to More San Diego County Schools

The hunger-relief non-profit currently partners with schools throughout the county to help provide food assistance to low-income families 

Feeding San Diego is adding more San Diego County schools to its School Pantry Program, which provides monthly deliveries of nutritious food to schools that can be distributed to entire families during drop off or pick up. The program currently serves schools in eleven school districts throughout San Diego County and is adding five additional schools, including one on Camp Pendleton, by the end of March. Schools that have at least 50% free or reduced meal data can partner with the non-profit to receive 30 pounds of shelf stable items and produce twice a month. This program is completely free to schools and families.  

“We are committed to feeding kids and families throughout San Diego County, and our School Pantry Program is a proven model that we know works for schools,” said Bob Kamensky, Chief Strategy Officer at Feeding San Diego. “When food is provided at locations a family already visits, parents and guardians do not have to give up more of their valuable time and transportation budget to put food on the table.” 

When the pandemic first hit in March 2020, Feeding San Diego’s school pantry program was upended as schools closed. The non-profit worked to establish emergency pop-up pantries in collaboration with local school districts to provide food to kids and families. The School Pantry Program evolved into drive through distributions, and the volume of food that was given to families during the early months of the pandemic increased. The 2021-22 school year has been challenging for schools to navigate due to the ongoing pandemic, and Feeding San Diego has remained committed to providing schools with the resources and support they need to offer school pantries for their students and families. 

The five schools that recently joined the School Pantry Program are Los Altos Elementary, North Terrace Elementary School, Escondido High School, Orange Glen High School, and SIATech. Interested schools can visit feedingsandiego.org/feeding-kids to learn more.  

In addition to the School Pantry Program, Feeding San Diego’s Feeding Kids initiative includes the Summer Meals Program, After School Meals Program, Backpack Program, Community and Agency Partner Programs, and CalFresh Outreach. Each of these unique programs serve children and families throughout San Diego County.