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Welcome!

Our mission is to reduce food waste and increase access to nutritious food for all. By rescuing surplus food from grocery stores, restaurants, and businesses, we ensure it reaches those who need it most, turning potential waste into valuable resources.
 
Partnering with us—whether as a supporter, donor, or ally—means contributing to a more sustainable, community-focused solution that benefits both people and the planet.

Porchlight Community has been serving San Diego with dignity since 2016

We are a grassroots community of volunteers dedicated to rescuing food and redistributing it to our neighbors. Our journey began in 2016 when a single parent, supported by like-minded neighbors, sought to create a dignified experience for those seeking assistance.

From our humble beginnings on porches and driveways to our small office in Kearny Mesa, we’ve evolved into a dual food rescue and food pantry program. Our market-style shopping experience and food baskets ensure that everyone can access the nourishment they deserve.

Get Involved

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In 2023

1,646 

Volunteers helped

in hunger relief

$ 1.2 M

68%

is fresh produce

We're building a thriving community for you and by you

Some of the opportunities we provide

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Your Dietary Needs Met

We offer food for special diets, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based diets.

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Reduce Food Waste

We recapture fresh, less-than-perfect food before it reaches the landfills. 

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Porchlight Community Services illuminates individuals’ self-sufficiency and empowers people to achieve long-term financial security.

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Hours of Operation

Volunteering:  Sunday through Saturday

9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Food Distribution Event 

(by appointment only)

Thursday 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Sunday/Saturday 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Contact Information

Our Address: 

8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Suite F,
San Diego, CA 92123

Questions or comments? Have you visited our FAQs?

Email us at info@porchlightcs.org

Supporting Food Rescue & Waste Reduction with CalRecycle

Porchlight Community Services is proud to receive partial funding from CalRecycle’s Food Waste Prevention and Rescue Grant Program. This support has allowed us to expand our food rescue efforts with a refrigerated van, invest in essential processing equipment, and promote sustainable solutions to reduce food waste in our community.

Through this grant, we can recover more edible food, extend its shelf life, and provide nutritious options to more people. It also helps us educate the community through workshops and events, like our DIY Beeswax Wrap Workshop, where we share practical ways to minimize food waste at home.

CalRecycle’s Food Waste Prevention and Rescue Grant Program is part of California’s larger effort to reduce organic waste in landfills, fight climate change, and improve food access. Learn more about this initiative here.

©2025 by Porchlight Community Services, Inc.

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