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Feeding Seniors

Healthy Food for Seniors

Feeding San Diego partners with local nonprofits to provide nutritious, healthy food for low-income seniors.

In July 2024, Feeding America released Food Insecurity Among Seniors and Older Adults in 2022; findings reveal that 6.9 million seniors (8.7%, or one in 11) were food insecure in 2022. The Feeding Seniors program aims to improve senior food security, reduce the risk of chronic illnesses, and increase self-sufficiency.

Seniors can access no-cost food at a range of Feeding San Diego programs, including mobile and produce pantries. In addition, we provide food to community partners who offer distributions specifically for the senior population.

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Programs That Support Feeding Seniors

A smiling woman holding produce

Mobile Pantry

Our Mobile Pantry Program brings nutritious food directly to seniors in rural areas of San Diego County. With 25 convenient sites, this traveling pantry eliminates transportation barriers that often challenge older adults. Monthly or bi-monthly distributions provide seniors with 20-30 pounds of healthy food, including fresh produce and dry goods. By removing paperwork and income requirements, we ensure easy access for seniors who might otherwise struggle to reach traditional food assistance programs. This service is particularly vital for older adults with limited mobility or those living in areas with few grocery options.

Produce Pantry

Feeding San Diego’s Produce Pantry Program is tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of seniors. Recognizing that fresh, affordable produce can be challenging for older adults to access, we bring 20-25 pounds of seasonal fruits and vegetables directly to senior-dense communities. This program is especially beneficial for seniors facing transportation issues, limited budgets, or health concerns that make grocery shopping difficult. By providing 4-6 varieties of fresh produce, we support seniors in maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet crucial for their health and well-being.

Mother and daughter pose with box of fresh food
A man holding a bag of produce

Agency Partners

We collaborate with nearly 370 community partners to ensure seniors throughout San Diego County have access to healthy food. Many of our agency partners specialize in senior services, including meal sites, senior centers, and assisted living facilities. Whether we’re providing food directly or facilitating partnerships with local grocery stores, our network ensures that older adults have consistent access to nutritious meals. This approach allows us to reach seniors in various living situations, from independent homes to care facilities.

Feeding San Diego Marketplace 

The Feeding San Diego Marketplace at our Sorrento Valley headquarters offers a dignified shopping experience tailored for seniors. This welcoming space allows older community members to shop once a month for no-cost groceries, including easy-to-prepare dry goods, protein-rich frozen foods, and fresh produce. Our layout and selection consider the needs of seniors, with an emphasis on nutritious, easy-to-handle items. This market-style approach empowers older adults to choose foods that meet their dietary needs and preferences, supporting their independence and quality of life.

Woman in Feeding San Diego Marketplace

Support This Work

Volunteer helps woman with white hair pick up food at a distribution

Your support makes this work possible. 

Donations stay 100% local and have an immediate impact on San Diegans in need.

Because we rescue food and partner with food distributors, our distribution model stretches your dollar further. Every dollar you donate helps provide 2 meals to the community.

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Stories from Our Feeding Seniors Sites

Lorna

A woman with white hair stands in front of a Feeding San Diego truck at a mobile pantry that supports the Feeding Seniors program

About three months ago, my house payment went up $400 and living on a fixed income, that was very difficult. My granddaughter saw that you had Feeding San Diego up here, so she calls me every month and lets me know when you have it. It’s a great help, especially when you’re on a fixed income, and I know there are several elderly couples up here like me who need the help. This [distribution] is a great help. It helps every month. I love the fresh fruit. I appreciate the volunteers. They’re always kind, and they’re very helpful. I enjoy talking to them.​

Tom

A senior man at a Feeding San Diego food distribution, part of the Feeding Seniors program

I’ve been coming to this [distribution] for three months now. It’s a good deal. People have been very courteous, and it comes in handy, trust me, because I’m living on social security and it’s pretty tight.

I sure appreciate their efforts, and I think if I was a little bit younger I’d volunteer myself.

Marta

A woman sits in a van that is being loaded with food at a Feeding Seniors food distribution

I live two blocks from my mom, and my brother lives uptown. We help my mom. She’s 84 years old. The pandemic has affected us because the prices of everything went up. It’s difficult with gasoline. You have to measure where you go. For people who have an income, it’s hard, so can you imagine the people who don’t have an income? I’m on SSI. My mom is struggling to pay her mortgage, so everyone is helping her a little bit, like coming over here and getting food. Whatever we get that’s good, I share it with my mom, my neighbors, with everybody.

Blog: Feed Change

Interested in supporting Feeding Seniors?

Please reach out to a member of our development team at donorservices@feedingsandiego.org.

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