SNAP Up, Please

June 6th, 11 A.M. to Noon

11th Street at Camino del Mar

Del Mar residents are stepping up as food insecurity surges across our region, driven by the rollback of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. This year alone, 13,000 San Diego residents – including legal immigrants and asylum seekers – have lost access to this essential support.

To meet this growing need, community food collection boxes will be available at the corners of 11th Street and Camino del Mar on the first Saturday of every month from 11 A.M. to 12 Noon. The next collection day takes place Saturday, June 6th. All donations will go directly to the San Diego Food Bank’s distribution center in Vista, helping get food to those in North County who need it most.

At the same time, access to federal food assistance is becoming increasingly difficult. Nearly 200,000 eligible San Diego residents are not enrolled in SNAP, often due to fear and mistrust. It is a $550 million local economic loss. Threats like the Department of Homeland Security’s proposed rollback of the 2022 Public Charge protections create real anxiety for immigrant families. If enacted, it would grant the DHS the power to deny green cards based on factors like the use of federal or social services programs.

We can all ease the strain that families, individuals, college students, and older adults are experiencing. Please donate shelf-stable food (no glass containers). Baby and toddler diapers are in great demand. Volunteers will be available to assist with unloading.