San Diego, CA November 12, 2025 –(PR.com)– Food pantries on local community college campuses are about to get a big boost just on time for the upcoming holidays, and to help make up for expected federal food aid cutbacks. The 7th annual Pack the Pantry virtual food drive raised $16,819 in the month of October, which will provide more than 33,000 meals to local community college students facing food insecurity.
The annual food drive is organized by California Coast Credit Union in partnership with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and local community colleges in San Diego and Imperial counties. According to recent research, nearly 50 percent of local community college students face food insecurity, meaning they don’t have consistent access to food.
Demand at the food pantries typically increases as the holidays approach. Local community colleges have also been bracing for planned cuts to federal food assistance programs.
“The Pack the Pantry food drive demonstrates what happens when our community truly comes together to uplift students,” said Dr. Mark Sanchez, Superintendent/President of Southwestern Community College and Chair of SDICCCA. “This support strengthens the vital resources our colleges provide and reinforces to our students that they are not alone. We are grateful for partners like California Coast Credit Union and the San Diego Food Bank whose commitment helps ensure our students feel seen, valued, and supported—especially during this time of year.”
“The success of this year’s Pack the Pantry drive is a testament to the compassion and generosity of our community;” said Kyra Seay, Cal Coast Vice President of Community Relations. “With rising education costs, reductions in federal food aid looming, and the holidays approaching, it’s more important than ever to support our students. We’re proud to stand with our local community colleges and the San Diego Food Bank to ensure students have the nourishment they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond.”
The San Diego Food Bank will coordinate the distribution of food to the local campus pantries.
“Food insecurity is one of the biggest barriers to student success, and no one should have to choose between buying textbooks and buying groceries,” said Casey Castillo, CEO, Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. “Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community and partners like California Coast Credit Union, thousands of local college students will have access to nutritious meals during the holidays and beyond. Together, we’re ensuring that students can focus on their education without worrying about where their next meal will come from.”
You can continue helping stock food pantries throughout the community by donating to the San Diego Food Bank at: www.sdfoodbank.org.
About California Coast Credit Union
Established by San Diego teachers in 1929, California Coast Credit Union is the longest-serving financial institution based in San Diego County. With more than $3 billion in assets, the credit union serves nearly 200,000 members through its local network of 26 branches, and 30,000 fee-free ATMs nationwide. California Coast is not-for-profit, provides no-cost financial education for adults and youth, and is committed to improving the lives of its members and others in the community. Anyone who lives or works in San Diego or Riverside county can be a member. For more information, visit https://www.calcoastcu.org or call (877) 495-1600.
About the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
Founded in 1977, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in San Diego County. Serving as the region’s food safety net, the organization provides food to people in need, advocates for the hungry and educates the public about hunger-related issues. Through a network of direct service programs and more than 450 nonprofit partners, the Food Bank serves an average of 400,000 people every month. In fiscal year 2025, the organization distributed over 52 million pounds of food – equivalent to more than 43.3 million meals. Learn more at sandiegofoodbank.org and follow us @sdfoodbank.
About SDICCCA
The San Diego & Imperial Counties Community College Association (SDICCCA) represents six community college districts: Southwestern, San Diego, Grossmont-Cuyamaca, Palomar, MiraCosta, and Imperial Valley. Together, these colleges serve more than 206,000 students and provide the workforce backbone of the region’s $250 billion economy.
Contact Information:
California Coast Credit Union
Robert Scheid
858-636-5132
Contact via Email
www.calcoastcu.org
Read the full story here: https://www.pr.com/press-release/953381
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