Food banks are maxed, and this is where we all come in.
When the federal government shutters services, the most vulnerable among us feel the impact first and hardest. In the San Diego region, thousands of families, active-duty and reserve military households, seniors and students who rely on programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and CalFresh are now facing delayed benefits just as grocery prices and housing costs remain high.
Local food-banks, often the safety-net when federal aid falters, are already seeing surges in demand and stepping up emergency distributions.
That makes community donations more crucial than ever: giving non-perishables, funds or volunteer time does more than fill a shelf—it helps keep families from skipping meals, worrying about which bill to pay, or going without basic groceries this month when their usual support has stalled.
To help support the efforts of our local food banks, we put together a list of some of the organizations across the county in need of donations.
The Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank
The organization is the largest hunger-relief nonprofit in San Diego County, distributing tens of millions of pounds of food annually through a network of over 450 partner agencies.
- Location: Follow signs for shipping and receiving at 9850 Distribution Ave., Dock 0, Miramar
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–noon and 1–3 p.m.
- How to Donate: Drop-off style donations accepted on site
- Most Needed Items: Nonperishable food
Alpha Project
The Alpha Project is a comprehensive nonprofit offering work-opportunity, housing, outreach and recovery services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or instability.
- Location: 550 14th St., East Village
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
- How to Donate: Call 619-696-6500 to schedule a donation drop-off
- Most Needed Items: Hygiene products, towels, sheets, clothing in good condition, undergarments, and nonperishable food (dependent on available space)
San Diego Rescue Mission
This faith-based shelter and recovery center has provided emergency housing, meals, job training and programs for men, women, children, and families since 1955.
- Location: 120 Elm St., Bankers Hill
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- How to Donate: Visit during donation hours or contact the mission for drop-off details
- Most Needed Items: Shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, umbrellas, towels, sheets, blankets, undergarments for adults and children, sunscreen, classroom supplies, and nonperishable food
Porchlight Community Services
Focused on food-rescue and affordability, Porchlight Community Services turns surplus food into nutritious groceries while promoting sustainability and dignity for clients.
- Location: 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite F (behind Mic Drop Comedy, next to Denny’s), Kearny Mesa
- Hours: Daily, 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; food distribution events by appointment Thursday, 3–7 p.m., and Saturday–Sunday, 1–3 p.m.
- How to Donate: Drop-off donations accepted during operating hours
- Most Needed Items: Food, health, and beauty products
ElderHelp
A senior-services nonprofit, ElderHelp ensures older adults remain independent in their homes by providing transportation, safety checks, referrals and companionship.
- Location: 9590 Chesapeake Dr., Clairemont Mesa
- Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.–noon; closed Saturday and Sunday
- How to Donate: Contact Carrie McClellan at [email protected] or 619-371-4272 to arrange a donation
- Most Needed Items: Canned soups, canned tuna, canned chicken, noodles, jam, and cereal
Feeding San Diego
Feeding San Diego is a hunger-relief and food-rescue organization (and local affiliate of Feeding America) that rescues surplus food and provides millions of nutritious meals each year across San Diego County.
- Location: Main donation center at 9477 Waples St., Suite 100, Mira Mesa (check the website for additional sites)
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday
- How to Donate: Visit the website or contact the organization for drop-off instructions and guidelines
- Most Needed Items: Powdered baby formula, canned goods, and ready-to-eat meals
San Diego Mesa College: The Stand
This campus-based resource center offers free food, professional clothing and basic-needs support to students facing food and housing insecurity.
- Location: Room K106, Building K1, Mesa College campus
- Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 8:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, noon–5:30 p.m.
- How to Donate: Drop-off donations accepted during open hours
- Most Needed Items: Nonexpired food, professional clothing, and reusable bags
University of San Diego Food Pantry
Located at the University of San Diego, this on-campus pantry provides food, hygiene items and school supplies to students in need of short-term food relief.
- Location: Hahn University Center, first floor, by the SOLES student lounge
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.–10 p.m.; closed weekends
- How to Donate: Coordinate drop-offs by emailing [email protected]
- Most Needed Items: Nonperishable staples such as peanut butter, rice, pasta, canned foods, juice, nondairy milks, cereal, and crackers, as well as school supplies, hygiene products, and laundry detergent
UCSD Triton Food Pantry
Located at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), this student-run pantry offers culturally reflective food choices and free groceries to all registered students, including undocumented and international students.
- Locations: Student Center (across from Art of Espresso) and 3605 Miramar St., La Jolla
Hours: - Student Center Hours: Closed Saturday–Monday; Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Miramar Street Hours: Monday, 2–7:30 p.m.; Wednesday, 1:30–7:30 p.m.; Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; closed Tuesday, Friday, and Sunday
- How to Donate: Email [email protected] to schedule a donation drop-off
- Most Needed Items: All types of food and supplies; donations may be limited based on available storage space
Looking for more ways to support the San Diego community? Explore our guide to the top local nonprofits accepting donations.
