Our Story
Porchlight began in San Diego in 2016 with a simple idea: good food should reach people, not the landfill. When a local charity closed, neighbors came together to share food that would otherwise go to waste. That community response became Porchlight.
Today, we connect rescued food with households through affordable grocery shopping and free food programs. We make room for choice, support different dietary needs, and create ways for neighbors to support one another.
What We Do
We rescue surplus groceries and share them through affordable, client-choice shopping and free food programs. Our pantry offers options for different diets, and food baskets serve households in select San Diego neighborhoods. We also bring neighbors together through swaps, workshops, and community events.
Our Impact
2025 community impact
5,281 volunteer hours
$183,726 estimated value of volunteer time
$317,000 estimated grocery savings
204,000 pounds of food rescued
612,492 pounds of CO₂e avoided
5,104,100 gallons of water saved
Our Values
Food Rescue and Redistribution
Zero Waste
Focus
Client-Choice
Pantry
Support for Dietary Needs
The Porchlight Difference
At Porchlight Community Services, we're more than just a food pantry—we're a community-driven organization focused on sustainability, empowerment, and holistic solutions to food insecurity. Here's what makes us different:
1. Client-Choice Pantry
Unlike traditional pantries, we allow families to choose the food they need, fostering a sense of dignity and autonomy. With options like gluten-free, plant-based, and allergy-friendly items, we meet the diverse dietary needs of the San Diego community.
2. Sustainable Practices to Minimize Waste (Zero Waste)
We go beyond food distribution by upcycling food through dehydrating, juicing, and composting to prevent Waste and provide nutritious meals. We also embrace low-waste living, hosting clothing swaps, toy exchanges, and other community events to reduce our collective environmental impact.
3. Empowering Families for Long-Term Financial Stability
Our mission is to reduce food insecurity by addressing the root causes—families' financial challenges. Through education and resources, we empower families to save money, pay down debt, and build financial stability, all while participating in a sustainable community.
4. Community Collaboration and Inclusivity
Porchlight is committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative space where neighbors help each other thrive. Our services are open to all San Diego families, including those who may not qualify for other assistance programs but still benefit greatly from our offerings.
In the media
Watch our Fox News segment highlighting our efforts to rescue food and share simple ways to reduce household food waste.
Click on video link below.
Watch our ABC10 News segment showcasing our leadership award and highlighting what sets us apart in rescuing food and reducing household food waste.
Click the video link below to learn more."
Did you know individuals with food allergies face unique challenges accessing safe, nutritious food? The Associated Press highlighted our efforts to support equitable access to allergy-friendly options.
Read how we're making a difference:
#FoodAllergies #FoodInsecurity #SustainableLiving #AllergyFriendlyFood #FoodJustice