Nearly half of community college students in San Diego and Imperial counties experience food insecurity, creating challenges that can affect their health, academic performance, and ability to complete their education.

To help address the need, California Coast Credit Union, in partnership with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and local community colleges, has launched its eighth annual Pack the Pantry virtual food drive through October 31, 2026.

Every dollar donated helps provide two meals, and Cal Coast will match donations up to $7,500, doubling the impact of community contributions. Funds raised will support campus food pantries serving students throughout San Diego and Imperial counties, including MiraCosta College.

Campus food pantries and nutrition centers provide students with access to basic resources that can help them stay focused on their education and continue working toward graduation.

“Hunger has become an increasingly common barrier to student success,” said Cal Coast President and CEO Todd Lane. “Access to a stocked campus pantry can provide more than a meal. It can provide stability, peace of mind and the support students need to stay on track academically.”

Since 2016, Pack the Pantry has helped provide more than 100,000 meals to community college students throughout San Diego and Imperial counties.

“Today’s community college students are balancing far more than coursework. Many are working, raising families and caring for loved ones while pursuing their educational goals,” said Dr. Mark Sanchez, president of the San Diego and Imperial Counties Community Colleges Association and superintendent/president of Southwestern College. “When basic needs go unmet, it becomes harder to stay focused on school. Programs like Pack the Pantry help remove barriers and provide students with the support they need to stay enrolled, persist and succeed.”

Community members can support the campaign by donating online at calcoastcu.org/packthepantry. Donors may also make their gift in honor of a participating college food pantry.

At the conclusion of the campaign, the San Diego Food Bank will coordinate the purchase and distribution of food to participating community colleges, helping ensure donations directly support students experiencing food insecurity.