If you or someone you know is in need of food assistance, please call 2-1-1, San Diego’s social service hotline, or the Food Bank at 1-866-350-FOOD (3663) for food distributions and food pantries closest to home._______________________________Many caring community groups and supporters have reached out to us to ask how the community can help the Food Bank feed vulnerable families and seniors during the COVID-19 Crisis.Below, we have outlined ways that you can support our vital mission during this heightened time of need.Important Notice: All of the San Diego Food Bank and North County Food Bank’s 200 food distribution sites throughout the county will remain open for families to receive food assistance during this crisis. Below are three ways you can support the Food Bank:1. Sign Up for a Volunteer ShiftSince the outbreak of COVID-19 in California, hundreds of volunteers have canceled their volunteer shifts at the Food Bank. We are asking the community to step up and volunteer during this crisis. The Food Bank cannot fulfill our mission without volunteer assistance. To register for a shift at the San Diego Food Bank in Miramar, visit SanDiegoFoodBank.org/Volunteer.To register for a shift at the North County Food Bank in Vista, visit NorthCountyFoodBank.org/Volunteer.If you cannot find a volunteer shift available or the date you selected is not available, please check back daily. We are continuing to get last minute cancellations and are in need of regular volunteers.Volunteers who have traveled to China, Iran, South Korea, Italy or any of the 26 European countries in the Schengen area, within the last two weeks to please postpone your volunteer shift(s) for the next 14 days. Anyone who is sick, or is experiencing flu/cold like symptoms to please stay home until you are symptom free.2. Donate to Our Virtual Food DriveThe Food Bank anticipates an increase in demand for emergency food assistance in the days and weeks ahead. In order to meet increased demand for help, we are asking the community to donate food via our online Virtual Food Drive. It’s easy to donate. Slide food items across the check out and pay securely with a credit or debit card. CLICK HERE to donate.You can also host a Virtual Food Drive and share the links with your network. For more information about hosting a Virtual Food Drive, CLICK HERE.3. Donate OnlineYou can also make a monetary donation online to support the Food Bank’s mission. For every $1 donated, the San Diego Food Bank can provide 5 meals for an individual or family in need. To make a donation securely online, CLICK HERE.Thank you to everyone who has reached out to help fellow San Diegans in need during this crisis. For the latest updates on how the Food Bank is responding to the COVID-19 crisis, please visit SanDiegoFoodBank.org/Response.
