Give families the gift of making Thanksgiving at home.

I founded Porchlight Community Services in 2016. I’m a single parent, and I know how quickly everyday expenses can crowd out something special. A small group of volunteers and I have spent years rescuing good food and sharing it with our community. For Thanksgiving, we’re gathering ingredients so families can cook, bake, and celebrate at home.

Families receive the ingredients to prepare a complete meal, from the main dish to the sides and dessert. We work to include allergy-friendly and plant-based options based on the needs families share and the food we can secure.

Food rescue provides much of what we share, but donated food doesn’t always include what every family can use. A financial gift gives us the flexibility to purchase missing ingredients, including suitable options for food allergies and dietary restrictions. We check product labels carefully and only describe food as allergen-free when the manufacturer’s labeling supports that claim.

Give, gather, or lend a hand

Make a financial donation to help us buy the ingredients still needed.
Host a Thanksgiving food drive. Contact us first, and we’ll share the current list of useful items.
Volunteer with our small team.
Share this page with friends, family, or a local business that may want to help.

Thank you for making this meal possible with us.

No Empty Plates - Thanksgiving Meals in San Diego

Help Porchlight Community Services provide Thanksgiving meals for local families. Your donation helps us purchase the sides, desserts, and allergy-conscious or dietary alternatives that rescued and donated food may not cover.

Team Members