As Thanksgiving approaches and we prepare to close another year, I find myself reflecting on the many reasons we have to be grateful. At the heart of it all is you — our incredible donors. Your unwavering support is what allows us to continue our mission, and for that, we are profoundly thankful.
This past year, we’ve once again seen the power of our shared values and the importance of being there for our clients — in both good times and challenging ones. With your help, we’ve been able to provide more than 50 million pounds of food to those in need — equivalent to around 40 million meals! Notably, 22 million pounds of that total was fresh produce, aligning with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recommendation that half of a plate of food should consist of fruits and vegetables.
Every week, nearly one million pounds of food is distributed across our region, from the northernmost areas like Fallbrook, to the rural corners of East County, and down to our border communities. This reach would not be possible without your generosity.
These numbers represent more than just food; they represent hope, nourishment, and a sense of security for countless families who now have food in their cupboards.
We remain steadfast in our commitment to serve our program participants, manage donations responsibly and create meaningful opportunities for our volunteers. We continue to show up for our neighbors in need, and this is only possible because of the dedication of our staff, volunteers, partner agencies, and supporters like you.
I can’t help but reflect on how swiftly the Food Bank mobilized to support families affected by the historic flooding earlier this year. Thanks to the unwavering generosity of people like you, we were able to quickly divert food and essential resources, like diapers and bottled water, to emergency pop-up distributions. Your continued support has strengthened our infrastructure, ensuring that we’re ready to respond whenever a crisis arises. Thank you!
As we look ahead to the new year, we remain united in our purpose and driven by the desire to uplift those around us. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of individuals and families throughout our community.
Thank you for standing with us. Your kindness and generosity inspire us to keep striving for a better future. Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a joyous holiday season.
With gratitude,
Casey Castillo,
Chief Executive Officer