The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank launches 16th annual Summer Food Drive to support local families in need.
San Diego, CA (May 27, 2026) – As summer vacation approaches and school meal programs pause for the season, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is launching 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.
“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. “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.
Community members can become Hunger Heroes in several ways throughout the summer:
- June 3 to July 4, donate a $5 Hunger Bag at checkout at any San Diego County Albertsons, Vons or Pavilions grocery store. Each bag directs shelf-stable items most needed by local families.
- 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.
This year’s Summer Food Drive is generously sponsored by PNC Bank, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation and CBS 8.
For more information, to donate or to host a virtual food drive, visit sandiegofoodbank.org/summer.
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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.