The San Diego County Fair’s new food recovery program helped provide more than 2,800 meals to families across the region this summer, thanks to a partnership with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank.
At the end of the 20-day fair, many food vendors are often left with perishable items they can’t take with them to their next stop. Rather than let that food go to waste, vendors were invited to donate it.
This year, fair vendors contributed 2,977 pounds of surplus food — the equivalent of about 2,481 meals — directly to the San Diego Food Bank. The donations included 1,934 pounds of fresh produce, 775 pounds of frozen proteins, and 168 pounds of bread and refrigerated goods.
In addition, fair sponsor Albertsons /Vons donated 418 pounds of food from its on-site markets, providing another 348 meals’ worth of staples like canned vegetables and peanut butter.
All food was distributed through the San Diego Food Bank’s Food to Nonprofits Program, which serves more than 450 local nonprofit partners countywide.
Another 800 pounds of food were donated through other channels by fair vendors participating in the food recovery initiative, which was developed by the 22nd District Agricultural Association (22nd DAA) — the agency that produces the annual Fair and operates the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The program aligns with California’s SB 1383, a state law focused on reducing organic waste, cutting methane emissions, and addressing food insecurity.
“We take pride in serving our community both in times of celebration and in times of need,” said Carlene Moore, CEO of the 22nd DAA. “This program brings those values together — combining the fun of the fair with our ongoing commitment to sustainability and community service.”
22nd DAA Board President Frederick Schenk echoed that sentiment, calling the initiative a way to extend the Fair’s reach beyond its summer run.
“The San Diego County Fair brings joy to so many people each year — but programs like this allow us to make a meaningful difference for those who may not attend,” Schenk said.
Casey Castillo, CEO of the San Diego Food Bank, said the new partnership with the fairgrounds was a natural fit.
“Teaming up with the San Diego County Fair helps us fight food waste and hunger at the same time,” Castillo said. “Thanks to this effort, thousands of pounds of good, nutritious food are now in the hands of nonprofits that serve their communities every day. It’s a win-win.”
Among the Food Bank’s nonprofit partners is Love Does, which picks up fresh corn donated from the fair and distributes it directly to local families.
Planning for the 2025 fair included early collaboration between the 22nd DAA and the Food Bank to develop new joint initiatives. In addition to launching the food recovery program, the Food Bank supported the Fair’s new Farm 2 U Exhibit, which highlights the journey of food and flowers from local farms to family tables.
The Food Bank also donated 1,200 pounds of nutrient-rich compost from its Miramar warehouse to be used in garden beds and planters at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The composting facility not only diverts food waste from landfills but also helps save the organization approximately $25,000 in disposal costs each year.
To learn more, visit sandiegofoodbank.org.
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