San Diego, December 13, 2025
The San Diego Foundation has awarded grants totaling $2,575,838 to local food nonprofits to enhance food security initiatives in response to federal funding cuts to programs like CalFresh. Beneficiaries include Mama’s Kitchen, Neighborhood House Association, and Project New Village, among others, working to alleviate food insecurity through various community-led strategies.
San Diego Foundation Allocates Over $2.5 Million to Local Food Nonprofits
San Diego, CA — The San Diego Foundation has announced grants totaling $2,575,838 to support community-led food programs in response to recent federal funding reductions affecting food assistance programs like CalFresh. These grants aim to bolster food security initiatives across the region.
Details of the Grants
The funds, drawn from the San Diego Unity Fund—a rapid-response initiative established this year—will be distributed to various local organizations implementing diverse strategies to address food insecurity. Notable recipients include:
- Mama’s Kitchen: $325,000 to expand medically tailored meal delivery for individuals with serious illnesses.
- Neighborhood House Association: $250,000 to provide ready-to-eat weekend meals for families with children in Head Start programs.
- Project New Village: $250,000 to operate “farmers markets on wheels,” delivering affordable, locally grown produce to neighborhoods with limited access to fresh food.
- Food Shed Cooperative: $250,000 to connect individuals with diet-related health conditions to nutritious food options.
- UC San Diego Center for Community Health: $250,000 to expand the Más Fresco! Plus program, which delivers local produce to families in need.
Additional Support
Other organizations benefiting from the grants include Chicano Federation, Sherman Heights Community Center, Fallbrook Senior Citizens Service Club, Thrive Lemon Grove, Bayside Community Center, Bithiah’s Family Services, Coastal Roots Farm, Partnerships for a Better San Diego, Chaldean Community Council, Boys & Girls Clubs, Fallbrook Food Pantry, Slavic Refugee and Immigrant Services, North County LGBTQ Resource Center, and the Karen Organization of San Diego. These grants support a range of initiatives, such as neighborhood meal programs, food transportation, and the provision of baby formula, diapers, and other essentials for children in foster care.
Background on the San Diego Unity Fund
Established in response to federal funding cuts in food, housing, and health care programs, the San Diego Unity Fund has raised a total of $32.3 million. This includes $12 million from the San Diego County Partnership to Protect San Diegans and $20 million from the San Diego Foundation. The fund serves as a rapid-response mechanism to support nonprofits addressing critical community needs.
Statement from San Diego Foundation
Mark Stuart, President and CEO of the San Diego Foundation, emphasized the importance of these grants, stating that they support community organizations trusted by their neighbors and are rethinking food security to ensure San Diegans are nourished with dignity. He highlighted the generosity of donors across San Diego in enabling the rapid deployment of funding where it’s most needed.
Additional Information
For more details about the San Diego Unity Fund and its initiatives, visit the San Diego Foundation’s official website. The foundation continues to collaborate with local organizations to address the evolving needs of the community, particularly in the wake of federal funding reductions impacting essential services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the San Diego Unity Fund?
The San Diego Unity Fund is a rapid-response initiative established by the San Diego Foundation in response to federal funding cuts in food, housing, and health care programs. It aims to support nonprofits addressing critical community needs by providing grants to local organizations.
How much has the San Diego Unity Fund raised?
The San Diego Unity Fund has raised a total of $32.3 million, including $12 million from the San Diego County Partnership to Protect San Diegans and $20 million from the San Diego Foundation.
Which organizations received grants from the San Diego Unity Fund?
Organizations receiving grants include Mama’s Kitchen, Neighborhood House Association, Project New Village, Food Shed Cooperative, UC San Diego Center for Community Health, Chicano Federation, Sherman Heights Community Center, Fallbrook Senior Citizens Service Club, Thrive Lemon Grove, Bayside Community Center, Bithiah’s Family Services, Coastal Roots Farm, Partnerships for a Better San Diego, Chaldean Community Council, Boys & Girls Clubs, Fallbrook Food Pantry, Slavic Refugee and Immigrant Services, North County LGBTQ Resource Center, and the Karen Organization of San Diego.
What initiatives are supported by the San Diego Unity Fund grants?
The grants support various initiatives, including medically tailored meal delivery, ready-to-eat weekend meals for families, mobile farmers markets, connecting individuals with diet-related health conditions to nutritious food, and expanding programs that deliver local produce to families in need.
How can I contribute to the San Diego Unity Fund?
Individuals interested in contributing to the San Diego Unity Fund can visit the San Diego Foundation’s official website for more information on donation options and how their support can make a difference in the community.
Key Features of the San Diego Unity Fund Grants
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Grant Amount | $2,575,838 |
| Number of Organizations Supported | Dozens of local food nonprofits |
| Purpose of Grants | To bolster community-led food programs in response to federal funding reductions |
| Source of Funds | San Diego Unity Fund |
| Established In | 2025 |
| Notable Recipients | Mama’s Kitchen, Neighborhood House Association, Project New Village, Food Shed Cooperative, UC San Diego Center for Community Health |
| Additional Support | Chicano Federation, Sherman Heights Community Center, Fallbrook Senior Citizens Service Club, Thrive Lemon Grove, Bayside Community Center, Bithiah’s Family Services, Coastal Roots Farm, Partnerships for a Better San Diego, Chaldean Community Council, Boys & Girls Clubs, Fallbrook Food Pantry, Slavic Refugee and Immigrant Services, North County LGBTQ Resource Center, Karen Organization of San Diego |
| Background | Established in response to federal funding cuts in food, housing, and health care programs |
| Total Raised for the Fund | $32.3 million |
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