July 31 is National Avocado Day; local media join the Food Bank for the 3rd annual Guac-Off Challenge celebrating the generous donation.
San Diego, CA (July 31, 2025) – Today on National Avocado Day, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, San Diego County’s largest independent hunger-relief organization, announced a generous donation of 100,000 avocados from Avocados from Peru at its 3rd annual celebratory Guac-Off Challenge event at its Miramar headquarters. The generous gift will help provide more than 500,000 servings of nutrient-rich food to families in need across San Diego County, distributed through the Food Bank’s network of over 450 nonprofit partners.
“San Diego is a city where food and culture go hand in hand, and avocados are at the heart of that story,” said Xavier Equihua, President and CEO of Avocados from Peru. “We’re proud to donate 100,000 avocados to the San Diego Food Bank: a remarkable organization that uses nutrition to combat hunger and bring communities together.”
With San Diego often referred to as the “avocado capital of the nation,” avocados represent a culturally significant staple in the diets of many families in San Diego. They’re not only delicious but are packed with fiber, potassium, heart-healthy fats and vitamins that support healthy living.
“At the San Diego Food Bank, fresh produce like avocados offers a rare combination of nutrition, versatility, and broad appeal. This incredible donation of avocados plays a critical role in providing accessible nourishment to the 400,000 people across the region served each month,” said Casey Castillo, San Diego Food Bank CEO. “With food insecurity still affecting thousands of working families, seniors and children in San Diego, partnerships like these are more important than ever. We are grateful to Avocados from Peru for their generous support.”
During the Guac-Off Challenge, local TV and radio outlets competed in a bracket-style, Master Chef-inspired guacamole-making competition judged by local food experts. This year’s champions, Shawn Styles and Vanessa Paz of CBS 8, walked away with the silver avocado trophy and bragging rights. Participating media outlets included CBS 8, Fox 5, KUSI, Univision San Diego, Univision Radio (Que Buena 106.5 and Amor 102.9) and Local Media San Diego (91X, Magic 92.5 and Z90.3). The judging panel included Troy Johnson of San Diego Magazine, Instagram influencer Darryl Gordon of @sandiegofoodiefan, Daniel Bell of Grocery Outlet and Xavier Equihua of Avocados from Peru.
To download images from the 2025 Guac-Off Challenge, click here.
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About the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
Established in 1977, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is the food safety net for all of San Diego County, providing food to people in need, advocating for the hungry and educating the public about hunger-related issues. Through a combination of programs and robust network of more than 450 local partners, the San Diego Food Bank distributed nearly 53 million pounds of food and supplies in FY 24-25 to individuals and families through our regional network of services. Join us online at sandiegofoodbank.org and @sdfoodbank on social media.