Over 400 supporters gather as demand for food assistance remains high across San Diego County.
San Diego, CA (May 5, 2026) – At a time when more families are struggling to keep food on the table, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank raised more than $1.5 million on Saturday, May 2, marking the most funds raised in the event’s history, helping ensure children across San Diego County have enough to eat, including on weekends when school meals are unavailable. The evening also included a $350,000 matching gift from Title Sponsor Neurocrine Biosciences, helping to amplify the impact of contributions made at the event.
More than 400 supporters gathered at the Food Bank’s Miramar warehouse for the organization’s 14th Annual Gala, an evening that blended celebration with a clear purpose: to benefit the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program, which provides weekend food packages to elementary school students facing food insecurity. The program currently feeds 3,777 students weekly across 21 school districts and 99 schools throughout San Diego County.
“This was one of those nights that really stays with you,” said Casey Castillo, CEO of the San Diego Food Bank. “To see this community come together in such a meaningful way, and to know what it will mean for children and families across San Diego is incredibly special. This level of support is the strongest we’ve seen for this event and speaks to the generosity of San Diegans.”
The evening was led by Gala Co-Chairs Amy Jacobs and Jennifer Anderson, alongside longtime Chef Co-Chairs Sara Polczynski and Vaughn Vargus, who have shaped the event into one of San Diego’s signature culinary fundraisers, bringing together a dozen local chefs in support of the Food Bank’s mission.
Held at the Food Bank’s 90,000-square-foot warehouse, where millions of pounds of food are received and distributed each year, the space was transformed for the evening, giving guests a firsthand connection to the organization’s mission.
The event featured a chef-driven reception with dishes prepared by local culinary leaders, a multi-course dinner, and live and silent auctions, including a “Raise the Paddle” moment that generated $710,000 in support of the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program. The program was emceed by Carlo Cecchetto and Marcella Lee of KFMB-TV CBS 8, along with live music by Republic of Music, dancing and signature touches like the 36-degree bar, creating an experience that blended celebration with purpose. The success of the evening was made possible through the generous support of event sponsors, including Gold Sponsors Kings Inn, Jerri‑Ann & Gary Jacobs, CoreGiving, and Hollandia Dairy.
More than a single evening, the gala helps fuel the Food Bank’s ability to respond to growing need across the region. As San Diego County’s largest emergency food response leader, the Food Bank serves an average of 400,000 people each month and distributes tens of millions of pounds of food annually, ensuring families, seniors, veterans and children have reliable access to nutritious food throughout the year.
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About the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
Established in 1977, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in San Diego County. Serving as the countywide food safety net, the Food Bank provides nutritious food to people in need, advocates on behalf of the hungry, and educates the public about hunger-related issues. Through a network of direct service programs and more than 450 nonprofit partners, the Food Bank serves an average of 400,000 people every month. In fiscal year 2025, the organization distributed over 52 million pounds of food — equivalent to more than 43.3 million meals. Learn more at sandiegofoodbank.org and follow us @sdfoodbank.