Distributing 16 million pounds of food takes a lot of work. And a lot of food.
Our National Partnerships
Feeding America San Diego distributes 1.5 million pounds of food a month. Roughly 500,000 pounds of food Feeding America San Diego distributes each month comes from outside San Diego County. We are able to obtain this product through our affiliation with Feeding America which works with large corporate donors such as Kraft, Kellogg, ConAgra and General Mills to secure food and grocery products on a national level.
Local Reclamation
Damaged food items found in grocery stores are typically not purchased by discriminating food shoppers. Dented cans and torn cereal boxes and other perfectly safe nutritional food items are "reclaimed" for use by hungry families in our community. Rather than going to a landfill these items are received, sorted, cleaned and safety checked by volunteers at the food bank. It is an excellent opportunity for volunteers to directly engage in a fun activity that has a substantial impact on reducing the incidence of hunger in the San Diego community. Ralphs, Albertson's, Big Lots, and Walgreens currently supply us with this reclamation supply.
Fresh Rescue
Local grocery stores and retailers such as Ralphs, Food4Less, Albertsons, Wal-Mart, Target, and Sams Club donate about 450,000 pounds of perishable food each month though our Fresh Rescue program. Dairy, deli meat, eggs, juices, and other perishable items are set aside and picked up directly by our partner agencies. This direct to agency approach has been recognized nationally for its efficiency and effectiveness.
Produce Program
The California Association of Food Banks provides us with roughly 125,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables each week to distribute through our Produce, Farm2Kids, BackPack and Community Food Distribution programs. Additionally, Feeding America San Diego distributes fresh fruits and vegetables donated by the produce industry, Feeding America, and the Arizona Statewide Gleaning Project. This year, Feeding America San Diego will distribute more than 3 million pounds of fresh produce throughout San Diego County. We obtain, transport, provide, and often deliver fresh produce to our network of non-profit agencies. We feel that fresh produce is vital to a healthy community.
Purchased Product
In order to supplement our food donations and ensure a nutritious mix of product, Feeding America San Diego purchases 100,000 additional pounds of food each month. For every $1 we collect, we are able to purchase 8 pounds of nutritous food for our neighbors in need. Help us purchase food today.