This summer, we are honored to celebrate a truly meaningful milestone: 15 consecutive years of partnership with the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation in support of the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank’s Summer Food Drive. What began as a seasonal campaign to help fill the gap for local children and families during the school break has grown into a powerful annual tradition, thanks in large part to Sycuan’s unwavering support.
Since the Summer Food Drive’s inception in 2010, Sycuan has played an integral role in ensuring our neighbors facing food insecurity can continue to access nutritious meals throughout the summer months, a time when school-based meals are often unavailable. In 2024 alone, their support powered more than 500,000 meals and helped amplify our message through over 4 million media impressions.
From generous financial contributions and food donations to media partnerships and hands-on community involvement, Sycuan plays a pivotal role in driving awareness and rallying the public to take action. Their representatives have joined us at food drives, participated in media interviews, and stood alongside us as ambassadors of hope for our neighbors in need.
But Sycuan’s legacy of giving stretches back even further — nearly three decades. In 1997, long before the Summer Food Drive began, Sycuan helped fund our Holiday Food Drive, helping the Food Bank purchase chickens for families who might not otherwise enjoy a holiday meal. That spirit of generosity has only grown stronger with time.
“San Diego has always been Sycuan’s home, and we believe deeply in supporting the well-being of our entire community,” says Sycuan Chairman Cody Martinez. “For us, this partnership isn’t just about giving. It’s about being there, year after year, to ensure that families, children and seniors in our region have access to the resources they need to thrive.”
At a time when the need has never been greater, Sycuan’s enduring support is a beacon of leadership and compassion.
As we mark 15 years of impact, we offer our heartfelt thanks to the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation for their continued partnership, whose support has helped generate millions of meals and made a lasting, tangible difference in the lives of thousands of San Diegans.
Here’s to 15 years of fighting hunger — and to many more.