Feeding San Diego’s Free Grocery Store Now Serving 1,500 Households Monthly

Feeding San Diego’s free grocery store, the Feeding San Diego Marketplace, is making a powerful impact in the local community—quietly becoming one of San Diego’s most innovative responses to food insecurity.

Since its expansion just one year ago, this 690-square-foot space in Sorrento Valley has grown to serve nearly 1,500 households per month, including up to 120 families a day.

What sets the Marketplace apart is its approach: shoppers select their own items—just like at a traditional grocery store—with no income requirement and no pre-selected boxes.

This model fosters dignity and empowerment while making nutritious food more accessible than ever. It’s all part of Feeding San Diego’s mission to end hunger through food rescue—and it’s working.

Powered by Food Rescue and Community Support

Nearly 90% of the Marketplace’s food is rescued, meaning it would have otherwise gone to waste. Feeding San Diego partners with local grocery stores like Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, Aldi, and Jimbo’s, relying on volunteers to pick up donations and stock the shelves.

Shoppers can find everything from fresh produce and pantry staples to frozen proteins and snacks—availability changes daily based on what’s rescued.

This zero-cost, low-barrier model is crucial as more San Diegans face rising food insecurity and potential federal cuts to social programs like SNAP.

By offering four shopping days a week and serving primarily the surrounding 92126 zip code, the Marketplace has seen consistent growth—from 963 households last April to nearly 1,500 last month.

See you there!

At its heart, the Feeding San Diego Marketplace is more than a grocery store. It’s a community-driven solution to food insecurity that’s rooted in compassion, sustainability, and access for all.

Whether you’re looking to donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word, your support helps keep the shelves stocked and the mission alive.

📅 Open four days a week by appointment | Tuesday–Friday, 9 AM–1 PM
📍 9477 Waples St #100, San Diego
ℹ️ More info here

See you there, San Diego!