food pantry

2026 Holiday Resources

Abby H.Leave a comment

As more information about Holiday assistance programs becomes available, I will be updating this post.

Before I get into specifics, here are a few general ways that you can find some holiday help with resources that you may already take part in:

  • If you receive WIC or SNAP benefits, check with your social worker to see if they have information on holiday-help programs.
  • If you attend church/synagogue/mosque, check with your religious leader or the secretary/office staff. They may have referrals to programs offering holiday help.
  • Check with your kids’ school. Talk to the school counselor, resource teacher, or school secretary.
  • If you frequent local food charities or co-ops, they may have some resources on holiday events or toy giveaways.

Resources in San Diego County:

  • The Salvation Army does an Angel Tree program to gather gifts for children in need. For more information about this program, contact your local Salvation Army location.
  • 211 San Diego has a listing of all sorts of holiday assistance, from food to toys, and events- all free. Some programs/events require proof of need, but not all.
  • Hope for San Diego helps with many non-profits throughout the holiday season. For more information on events they sponsor, visit their website.
  • Women’s Resource Center for those residing in Northern San Diego County.
  • Foundation for Developmental Disabilities: Clients of the Regional Center whose families are facing financial difficulties can apply for help.
  • If you live in Santee and need help with food and gifts for the holiday, contact Santee Santas. Applications are done online and are available in multiple languages.
  •  Toys for Joy hosts an event in December with The Rock Church. There are not many details available on their website currently.
  • Toys for Hope is hosting an event on 12/20 at King Chavez School. More info can be found here.
  • Olive Crest: Helps Southern California families in need/crisis. They have a holiday program. More information can be found here.

Toy swaps are a great way to share old toys and get new ones.

Talk Back: If you know of any additional resources for holiday help in San Diego County, please leave a comment!

National Food Bank Week- Helping Others in your Community!

Abby H.

This week is National Food Bank Week. If you’ve got a spare $5.00 or so, you can help your neighbors in need by picking up some canned/shelf-stable food and donating it to your local food bank or local free little pantry. Find your local food bank here, and your free Little Pantry here.

For those in need in the San Diego County area, check out my list of local food resources here.

San Diego, CA Area- JFS Food Distributions!

Abby H.

Jewish Family Services is here to help those who have lost their benefits because of the government shutdown.

Emergency Nutrition Assistance

If you or someone you care about has been impacted by the government shutdown or the halting of SNAP benefits, please know that you’re not alone. Every Wednesday, JFS will provide supplemental groceries—including non-perishables, pantry staples, and fresh produce—until the shutdown ends.

 Pre-registration is not required.

Wednesdays, 4:00 – 6:00pm
Supplies are limited. First-come, first-served.

Jewish Family Service
JOAN & IRWIN JACOBS CAMPUS
Turk Family Center
8804 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92123

 

If you are looking for other times and locations for free food distributions in San Diego County, check my page here. 

Western Eagle Foundation- Northern San Diego County Food Programs

Abby H.

I found out about Western Eagle on TikTok- it just popped up on my For You Page. After checking out their website, I had to share.

Western Eagle Foundation is located in Temecula- That’s in Northern San Diego County (about an hour from my house). They have several programs including a Food Bank, Food Pantry, and customized food boxes.

If you are in Northern San Diego County and need food resources, definitely check out the Western Eagle Foundation.  They post on Instagram daily with what foods they have available in their customized food boxes as well as upcoming food pantry and food bank dates!