The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank has been named Best Charity in the 2026 San Diego’s Best Union-Tribune Readers Poll, a recognition voted on by the very community we serve every day.
As the largest hunger-relief organization in San Diego County, we don’t take this title lightly. It comes at a time when more of our neighbors need support, and it reflects the confidence San Diegans have placed in our work.
Why This Recognition Matters
A Best Charity title reflects trust, and trust is something we work to earn every single day.
That trust is backed by numbers. The San Diego Food Bank holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the highest possible rating, reserved for nonprofits that demonstrate strong financial health, accountability, and transparency. We’ve also earned a Platinum rating from Candid (formerly GuideStar), the highest tier possible, which reflects our commitment to sharing clear, meaningful information about our programs and impact.
Together, these ratings tell donors, volunteers, and partners something simple: When you give to the Food Bank, your generosity is used wisely, tracked transparently, and put directly toward serving our neighbors.
“San Diego voted, and we could not be more grateful,” says Casey Castillo, CEO of the San Diego Food Bank. “Every donor, volunteer, and partner who supports our mission made this recognition possible, and we thank you for continuing to power our work to fight hunger and feed hope.”
The Honor Belongs To You
We didn’t earn this title alone. It belongs to our donors who give consistently, our volunteers who show up week after week, and our nonprofit partners who help us reach every corner of the county. Every dollar donated provides two meals, and every hour volunteered helps stock a pantry shelf or pack a produce box for a family who needs it.
This recognition is really a reflection of the trust you’ve placed in us, and we don’t take that for granted.
Keep The Momentum Going
As the need for food assistance continues to grow across our county, this recognition strengthens our resolve to keep showing up for families and individuals in need.
If you’ve supported us before, thank you. If you haven’t yet, there’s no better time to join a community that San Diego has voted its most trusted charity partner.
Ready to help? Donate or volunteer today and help power our vital hunger-relief efforts.