san diego

Food Bank Resources in Northern San Diego County

Abby H.

DSCN2469A few years back, I wrote this post, which I update about once a year with information on Food Banks/Food Pantries and food co-ops in San Diego County. Considering san Diego County is larger than some New England states, I decided to dedicate a post purely to North County food resources, as I have been getting requests for those lately. Thanks to my friends Elizabeth, Kate, Yvonne, and Stephanie for assisting me with the research!

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North County Neighborhood Distribution Sites 2020

There are of course the Neighborhood Distribution sites from The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. There are no requirements or proof of need (no ID either).  Just bring a few reusable bags or a cart to carry your food home.

Learn more about Neighborhood Distributions here. The 2020 Calendar of Neighborhood Distributions can be found here.

If you live in Escondido or Oceanside, check out the Interfaith Community Services Website for information on food.

In Encinitas:

  • The Community Resource Center has Bread distribution and other food distributions several times a week. More information can be found here.

In Vista:

  • North County’s Food Bank 1175 Melrose Way, Vista, CA, 92081 (760) 761-1140 The Emergency Food for Individuals program is direct food assistance available to needy individuals. Program is available every first, third and fifth Monday of the month.
  • Food Distribution at Lamb of God Food Bank 1120 Highland Dr, Vista, CA 92083 (760) 458-4655 every Tuesday and Thursdays, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

In San Marcos:

  • Summit Church 292 E. Barham Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078 760.471.6267 or office@summitsanmarcos.comArrive: 11:00 am, food distribution: 12:00 p – 1:00 pmSummit hosts a farmers market-style free food outreach 2x per month!
    Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month, they give 25 lbs of food to anyone
    in need in the front parking lot. Everyone is welcome; there are no requirements!

In Ramona:

  • Ramona Food and Clothes Closet Each 3rd Friday of the month, a truck will bring perishable food items like produce to the store for distribution.  You do not need to qualify for this program.   Patrons are asked to line up before 9:00 AM in an orderly fashion and wait their turn.  

    Each person will receive approximately 20-25 pounds of food per family.  It is a first-come, first-serve basis.  You will need to bring your own bags or rolling carts.

Feeding American San Diego has a map on their website of various resources in the San Diego area, many of them require no proof of need or paperwork.

If you have any food resources to share, please leave a comment!

The Harlem Globetrotters are Coming to Town!

Abby H.

harlemglobetrotterstileThey are back! The Harlem Globetrotters are coming to town, well our town, and probably yours too!

I can’t wait to take the kids. First, we will definitely have to watch some episodes of Scooby Doo from the 70’s!

If you want to take your family, US Family Guide has partnered with the team to save you some money! Save 25% with Promo Code: FUNFAM 

All-New Harlem Globetrotters Pushing The Limits World Tour

This is more than a basketball game. It is more than a show. It is the one and only Harlem Globetrotters in an all-new, larger-than-life world tour. You’ll be on your feet, out of your seat, laughing until it hurts and loving every moment.

The 5th Quarter – The game isn’t over after the final shot! Meet your favorite Globetrotter courtside after the game to get an autograph and photo.

Don’t miss out – get your tickets today and save SAVE 25% for ALL Harlem Globetrotters Games with promo code FUNFAM (Must purchase 14 days before Game Date).

San Diego Family Fun Fest 2/9/2020!

Abby H.

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Are you looking for a free, fun outing for your family this weekend? Check out the San Diego Family FunFest brought to you by San Diego Family Magazine.

 

Sunday, (Feb 9), 10 am-1 pm at the Salvation Army Kroc Center (in the Corner Zone), 6845 University Ave., San Diego 92115.

Have a blast with more than 30 Family Fun Activities & Resource Booths!

  • 2 Bounce Houses
  • 40” Inflatable Obstacle
  • Zipline
  • Swings
  • Double Shot Basketball
  • Angry Birds Slingshot
  • Imagination Playground Blocks (life-sized foam tinker toys)
  • Giant Connect 4 & more!

Dance along with the DJ, win cool raffle prizes, explore family resources and take playtime to a whole new level!

You can find out more on their Facebook Event page. Barring weather concerns, we’ll be there! I’m excited about the Imagination Playground Blocks.

1/26/2020 Free Soccer Demo for Ages 1-10 (La Jolla, CA)

Abby H.

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This Sunday, January 26th at the La Jolla Recreation Center bring your kiddo age 1-10 and check out Super Soccer Stars!

RSVP is required- see below for info.

Limited Spaces available

The child must participate in the class for their age group

To save your space, you may call (619-577-4009) or email (sd@supersoccerstars.com) to provide:

    • Child’s name
    • Date of birth
    • Email address

You may also RSVP by CLICKING HERE!

Winter Sports Fun with The San Diego Sockers!

Abby H.

EGHG5285.JPGDid you know that San Diego has a Soccer Team? We Do! The Sockers are our MASL Team! They’ve been here since 2009.

The Big Kid and I got to experience our first Socker’s game yesterday!

BOIP0331.JPGBefore the game, we got a chance the run around the field and kick the ball.  After 20 minutes, the big kid was panting and ready for a water break.

Sockers tickets start at $15, the club pays for parking! They have special rates for groups and a special military discount!

The Sockers pride themselves on being the family-friendly affordable winter sport in San Diego. Fans are welcome on the field after the game to meet the team, get autographs or a high five. The big kid and I had a great time! Soccer is a very fast-moving game, and there are lots of opportunities for audience participation, which he LOVED!!

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If you were wondering about the noise level? Not too loud, and just in case, I had his noise-blocking earphones in the car.

I would recommend a Sockers game for any family, especially those with kids on the spectrum. It’s a chance to enjoy time together, make noise, and watch a fun game.

And Pechanga Arena has a great variety of food and snacks. We had caramel apples, and frozen chocolate-dipped cheesecake on a stick.

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**The Sockers provided free tickets to the game- However, we were not obligated to blog or post on Social media about the event. We had such an amazing time that I had to share with y’all.

 

 

 

 

Q-Insights Market Research Company-Referrals Needed

Abby H.

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I wrote about Q-insights a few weeks ago. They contacted me the other day and they are looking for new respondents to join their database to share their opinion for paid market research studies!

Q-Insights recruits for nationwide studies taking place in person, online or over the phone so there are many opportunities to earn extra cash. To sign up for the Q-insights Database, click HERE. 

Market Research Studies are a great way to make extra money.  Here is more information about some other local (San Diego, CA) Market Research firms that I have worked with in the past.

YMCA of San Diego County- Cyber Monday Deal!

Abby H.

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We love our local YMCA- They have great exercise classes, awesome free events for members and the community, open gym for the kids to run and play in the gymnastics area three times a week, an activity pool that is open in the spring and summer, and I could go on and on.

We go to the Y 4-6 times a week for exercise and so the kids can play and socialize- this is a HUGE help during school breaks because the kids club/child watch has great programs and play opportunities- and it’s included in the price of membership. And it’s so much more than the kid’s area at most chain gyms. The folks at child watch and kids club do crafts, lead games, read stories, and teach the kids how to play new games, and take them into the gym area to bounce on the huge trampoline!

Today Only, December 2nd- Cyber Monday, New members pay no joining fee if they join online using our special My Y Code CYBR19. Your friend will save up to $60! And if you are a member and your friend mentions your name at sign up,  you’ll get a free month of membership! If you are going to sign up, mention my name, Abby Hewes. Any way we can save money helps our families bottom line!

For our family, YMCA is definitely frugal: for $75/month, I am able to go to the gym for 2 hours a day and the kids can go to play and have fun. Any of our other local gyms can’t touch that price, and they don’t have the other programs or benefits.

The YMCA offers scholarships and reduced monthly membership fees for military families, families that receive WIC, and many other programs- don’t forget to ask about them!

And if you are the parent of a special needs kid, let me tell you that our local Y has the most wonderful, caring staff that cares for all kids. My big kid is autistic and he loves going to Kids Club to hang out and play. He also loves the monthly Kids Night at the Y.

2019 Holiday Resources

Abby H.

I usually do this post later in November, but I’ve been getting a lot of requests for information for 2019.

The holidays are more than food and gifts, but no one should go hungry any time of year!

Here is my post with a list of food banks/pantries in San Diego. Many of the food pantries also have special holiday distributions, it is worth a call to find out of any additional food or gift distributions will be done.

As of now, I am not aware of any free Christmas tree giveaways, however, as I gather more information, I will update this post.

Screen Shot 2017-11-13 at 1.53.34 PM.pngToys 4 Joy has 3 San Diego area events on December 14th. Toys for Joy is open to all children and families and no registration is required. One free toy will be given to all children attending the event ages 0 – 11. Free lunch will be provided in addition to free entertainment, kids activities and giveaways. All three locations have free groceries and one location has free gently used clothing available.

Screen Shot 2018-11-30 at 10.24.34 AM.pngThe Cameron YMCA is hosting a free Cookies and Milk with Santa on Saturday, December 14th.
Bring the entire family and join us for our annual Cookies with Santa!
Enjoy Cookie decorating, ornament making, letters to Santa, pin the
heart on the Grinch and photos with Santa!
Pre-Registration Required. This event is not limited to YMCA members! To register, please call the Cameron YMCA in Santee at 619-449-9622. Check with your local YMCA- most San Diego area YMCA locations have an event like this.
santeesantas.pngIf you live in Santee and need help with food and gifts for the holiday, contact Santee Santas. You can download and print forms, check into eligibility (it is income-based and they are very strict from what I’ve been told), and see what forms you need addition to the application here.

 

The intake dates are November 21 or December 3, 2019 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Rio Seco School on Cuyamaca St.

Representatives will be there to assist you in processing your application.

Once again the ladies of the  American Veterans Ladies Auxiliary Post 534 are working with the VFW in Lakeside to host a super fun event for kids age 0-11.

In addition to meeting Santa, there will be crafts, snacks, and lots of fun!

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In order for your kids to receive a gift, please sign up your kids up to 12 years old via email to Jerrilynn: Kids_Christmas_Party@cox.net by December 9th please include name, age & gender and gift idea under $20.00.

If you know of any other holiday events or programs that can help those in need, please post links in the comments!

 

Talk Back: What is your favorite way to help others? 

2019 Veteran’s Day Freebies

Abby H.

a480c0f99b8b6578a86a997c14a14036.jpgTomorrow is Veteran’s Day, and there are so many companies that want to show their appreciation for those who have served.

Below are just a few, the complete list of over 100 freebies for Veteran’s Day can be seen here.

  • Starbucks – Free coffee
  • Subway – Vets and active military get a free six-inch sub on November 11 at select locations
  • Olive Garden – Free meal
  • On The Border – Free meal
  • Denny’s – Free Grand Slam on Nov. 11th
  • Dairy Queen – Free medium Blizzard
  • Dunkin Donuts – Free donut
  • BJ’s Restaurants & Brewhouse – Free Entree & Dr. Pepper

In addition to a free meal, There are many museums and amusement parks are offering free admission, including the USS Midway located in San Diego, CA. As a special thank you for your service, the Midway and Qualcomm have partnered to offer Active Duty and Veterans and up to three (3) additional family members FREE admission to visit the historic USS Midway Museum.

  • Visitors must present their Military ID / show proof of service at the Midway’s ticket booth to receive offer.
  • Offer valid now through November 17th.
  • The Midway is open daily from 10am – 4pm.
  • This promotion does not apply to online ticket purchases.

National Parks are waiving their admission price on November 11, 2019 to everyone!

MommyCon San Diego is 20 Days Away!

Abby H.

Screen Shot 2019-10-10 at 8.32.03 PM.pngAre you ready? MommyCon San Diego is just 20 days away!

This multi-day event features amazing shopping, interactive workshops, inspirational speakers and so much more. I loved the goody bag that I got last year! And of course, no event for moms (and dads) is complete without a snack station with all kinds of tasty snacks and drinks from some of the sponsors.

To  buy tickets and get more info go to MommyCon.com and use code “MTAH19” for 10% off!

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Here are a couple of classes that will be available to attend:
Friday is for VIP ticket holders only:

2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m VIP Registration
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. How Onbuhimos Inspired Naked Panda Designs & Giveaway! ***VIP Session***
4:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. The Parenting Letdown ***VIP Session***

Screen Shot 2019-03-29 at 12.20.20 PMSaturday:
Registration opens at 8:30am
Exhibitor Hall opens at 9am

10AM:
Room 1
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Managing the Motherload

Room 2
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Nurturing the Development of your Baby’s Brain through Movement and Exploration

Room 3
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Potty Training: Answers to When? Why? and How?

Sleep Consultations
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Sleep Consultation: 0-12 months

11:15AM:
Room 1
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
What to Feed Your Baby, presented by Stonyfield Organic

Room 2
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
What to Eat When You’re Expecting, presented bythe Weston A. Price Foundation

Room 3
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Play-Based Learning for Infants

Sleep Consultations
11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Sleep Consultation: 12-24 months

12:00-1:00PM- Lunch Break

1:00PM:
Room 1
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Preparing for your Breastfeeding Journey, presented by Kindred Bravely

Room 2
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Dental Ages Every Parent Must Know, presented by The Super Dentists

Room 3
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Babywearing 101: From SSC’s to Wrapping, presented by Ergobaby

Sleep Consultations
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sleep Consultation: 24 months

2:00PM:
Exhibitor Hall
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
The Ultimate Giveaway

Exhibitor Hall
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Shopping Break

3:00PM:
Room 1
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Peaceful Parenting

Room 2
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Your Baby’s First Year with Homeopathy, presented by Boiron

Sleep Consultations
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Sleep Consultation: All Ages Q&A