Business leaders, politicians and community members linked arms on Friday, Nov. 2 at the new Vons Liberty Station store to launch San Diego Food Bank’s (SDFB) annual Holiday Food Drive. An estimated 125 attendees were present for the event, themed “Hunger Hits Home This Holiday Season.”
Participants included District 2 Councilman Kevin Faulconer, along with event co-chairs Rana Sampson, San Diego’s First Lady, and Councilman Tony Young. Other notables included Daymond Rice, director of public affairs and government relations for Vons; Craig Clark of CW Clark; Scott McMillin, chairman of the board for Corky McMillin Cos.; Jeff Schemmel, SDSU athletics director; and Jim Jackson, SDFB executive director.
Throughout the day, speakers expressed their support as they urged the community to join in the efforts throughout this holiday season.ӬӬ
The San Diego Food Bank, a critical resource for alleviating hunger throughout the San Diego County, launched the campaign in Point Loma to mark the 11th year of the drive.
The familiar red barrels will again be placed at various locations throughout the county to collect canned and nonperishable food donations for thousands of hungry San Diegans. Donations will be collected through Dec. 31.
According to SDFB officials, Holiday Food Drive collected more than 400,000 pounds of food last year, which was distributed by the food bank’s 260 charity partners across the region. With the recent wildfires throughout San Diego County, SDFB officials said it is now more important than ever for community involvement.
“This is truly a tough time for many San Diegans,” said Jackson, a former professor at Point Loma Nazarene University. “We must come together to support our charity partnerships across the county and I want to be sure the Food Bank is doing what it can to help.”
The SDFB’s annual Holiday Food Drive is the county’s largest hunger-relief effort during the holiday season. Officials are encouraging San Diegans to stop by their local Vons stores, as well as select Albertsons, Stater Bros., Stump’s Family Market and Whole Foods locations. A complete list of participating locations can be viewed by visiting www.sandiegofoodbank.org.
“We’re pleased to work with such a dynamic organization that provides vital nourishment to so many people in need,” said Rice. “Our customers have always supported our employees in their efforts to give back to the neighborhoods we serve. This holiday season, customers can donate food at Vons locations countywide, helping to make things brighter for the most vulnerable in our communities.”
The event also marked the grand opening of the new Vons store at Liberty Station, 2495 Truxton Road.
Elementary, middle and high schools throughout San Diego County are expected to participate in the food drive, and local businesses, corporations and civic organizations are also being encouraged to host a food and fund collection drive. The SDFB also hosts a virtual food drive “” an online food drive that officials said is quick, easy and interactive. For more information, call (858) 527-1419, ext. 38, or visit www.sandiegofoodbank.org.
” Staff reports