Donations Accepted at Participating Mission Fed Branches and Online
SAN DIEGO – Sept. 2026 – For the estimated one in six San Diego County children experiencing food insecurity, access to nutritious food shouldn’t end when the school week does. During Hunger Awareness Month in September, Mission Fed Credit Union and the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank are partnering to drive monetary donations for the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program, which provides weekend food packages to elementary students in need.
Now in its 20th year, the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program serves 4,000 students weekly, reaching 99 elementary schools in 19 districts across the region. Made possible entirely through donor support – with monetary donations being accepted at all Mission Fed branches, online and by phone – the program addresses a critical need among children who may have reliable access to meals during the school week through school-based nutrition programs, but face food insecurity on weekends.
“Hunger exists in every zip code across the county, and children are among those who can be especially vulnerable when school meals are unavailable,” said Casey Castillo, chief executive officer of Jacob & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. “Community support is essential to ensuring local children have access to nutritious food when they need it most.”
Every contribution can make a direct difference. A donation of $8 provides food for one child for one weekend, while $32 provides food for one month and $300 supports one child for an entire school year.
“As families navigate the financial pressures that come with back-to-school season, access to food should not be another burden,” said Doug Wright, president and chief executive officer of Mission Fed. “Partnering with the San Diego Food Bank reflects our belief that we can make a bigger impact together than we ever could alone. With the additional power and generosity of our membership, we’re able to address childhood hunger, support local students and help make San Diego a better place to live, work and play.”
Throughout September, Mission Fed is encouraging San Diegans to support the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program by donating at any Mission Fed branch, online or by phone.
To donate and learn more, visit sandiegofoodbank.org/
