The Fair’s new food recovery program yielded 3,400 pounds of food for a community program run by the San Diego Food Bank.
Del Mar, CA (July 25, 2025) – The San Diego County Fair’s new food recovery program produced the equivalent of more than 2,800 meals for the region’s families this summer through a partnership with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
Many of the San Diego County Fair’s food vendors wrap up the 20-day Fair run with perishable items on hand that could be donated rather than transported to the next location or tossed in the garbage.
In total this year, Fair food vendors donated 2,977 pounds of food — equal to approximately 2,481 meals — to the San Diego Food Bank. This included 1,934 pounds of fresh produce, 775 pounds of frozen protein, and 168 pounds of bread and refrigerated items. In addition, Fair sponsor Albertsons | Vons donated 418 pounds of food — an additional 348 meals worth — left over from its markets at the Fair. This included highly requested items like protein-rich peanut butter and wholesome canned vegetables.
All recovered food was sorted and distributed through the San Diego Food Bank’s Food to Nonprofits Program, which supplies more than 450 nonprofit partners countywide with food for community-based distributions.
Fair food vendors also reported donating another 800 pounds of food to sources other than the San Diego Food Bank through the food recovery program, which was developed by the 22nd District Agricultural Association (22nd DAA), the organization that produces the annual Fair and owns and operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The 22nd DAA worked to establish the program under SB 1383, a new state law that aims to reduce organic waste, cut methane emissions, and address food insecurity.
“We take pride in serving our community both in times of celebration and in times of need,” said Carlene Moore, CEO of the 22nd DAA. “Those times are not always mutually exclusive. Our food recovery program enables us to combine the fun and enriching traditions of the annual San Diego County Fair with our service-first ethos, our environmental stewardship efforts, and our love of our community.”
22nd DAA Board President Frederick Schenk expressed gratitude for the partnership between the Fair, its food vendors, and the San Diego Food Bank,
“The San Diego County Fair is a major draw that brings joy to people’s lives — but we know that not every person in our region attends every year,” Schenk said. “Partnerships and programs such as this one broaden our impact by enabling us to give back to our community and to touch even more lives in important and deeply meaningful ways.”
San Diego Food Bank CEO Casey Castillo said the organization was “excited to team up with the San Diego County Fair in a new way this year.”
“We’re proud to partner with the Fairgrounds to fight food waste and hunger at the same time,” Castillo said. “Instead of going to waste, thousands of pounds of wholesome food are now in the hands of trusted nonprofits that know their neighborhoods best. It’s a win-win for our community and our environment.”
At the San Diego Food Bank’s Miramar warehouse, local nonprofit Love Does picks up corn recovered from the Fairgrounds to share with their community.
Officials with the 22nd DAA and the San Diego Food Bank began discussing new ways to collaborate in late 2024 as planning began for the 2025 Fair. In addition to the food recovery program, the San Diego Food Bank contributed to the Fair’s new Farm 2 U Exhibit, which shares the story of the region’s food and flowers, from farm to table.
The Food Bank this summer also donated 1,200 pounds of compost from its Miramar warehouse for in-garden beds and planters at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The warehouse’s composting facility helps eliminate $25,000 in disposal costs annually and diverts hundreds of thousands of pounds of waste each year from landfills.
“Here’s a full-circle moment we’re proud of: This year, we donated nutrient-rich compost made from inedible food at our warehouse to help nurture the same Fairgrounds that made food recovery possible,” said Castillo. “Turning food waste into something that gives back? That’s local partnership at its best.”
To learn more about the San Diego Food Bank, visit sandiegofoodbank.org.
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About the San Diego County Fair
Established in 1880, the San Diego County Fair now welcomes nearly one million guests each summer, making it the county’s largest and longest-running annual event. The 2025 Fair opened June 11 and ran for 20 days — excluding Mondays and Tuesdays — through July 6.
About the 22nd District Agricultural Association
The 22nd District Agricultural Association owns and operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds and is governed by a nine-member board appointed by the governor. Fairgrounds operations are primarily funded by revenues generated by hosting events, the largest being the annual San Diego County Fair. For more information, visit delmarfairgrounds.com.
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. The San Diego Food Bank serves 400,000 people per month in communities throughout San Diego County. Join us online at sandiegofoodbank.org and @sdfoodbank on social media.