The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank has launched its 16th annual Summer Food Drive to help provide meals for children, families and seniors facing hunger across San Diego County, running June 3 through July 28, according to a news release.
“Summer can place tremendous pressure on working families who are already struggling to make ends meet,” said Casey Castillo, CEO of the San Diego Food Bank, in the news release. “We invite San Diegans to become Hunger Heroes this summer by helping ensure children, seniors and families have access to nutritious food.”
As the largest hunger-relief organization and San Diego County’s official food safety net, the San Diego Food Bank serves an average of 400,000 people each month through its network of more than 450 nonprofit partners and direct distribution programs. During the summer months, donations often decline while the need for food assistance remains high, making community support especially important, the news release stated.
Community members can become Hunger Heroes in several ways throughout the summer:•June 3 to July 28, drop off nonperishable food items at red barrels located inside select Albertsons, Vons or Pavilions stores. Look for the San Diego Food Bank’s iconic red barrels. Most-needed items include canned meats and fish, canned fruits and vegetables, canned soups and stews, peanut butter, cereal, oatmeal, and rice.•Make an online donation anytime at sandiegofoodbank.org/summer. Every $1 donated during the campaign will help provide two meals to neighbors in need.•Host a virtual food drive. Businesses, schools, community organizations, and individuals can create an online fundraising page to rally support from friends, family, and colleagues.
For more information, to donate or to host a virtual food drive, visit sandiegofoodbank.org/summer.