ASCENDTIALS Monthly FOOD Distribution & Community Giveaway
Every month, ASCENDtials hosts a vibrant community-centered distribution event that brings together nourishment, sustainability, and essential resources. Held in City Heights and surrounding neighborhoods, this event provides free groceries, along with a plant propagation and clothing giveaway, and access to local service providers—all designed to support families and foster self-sufficiency.
What we offer
- Fresh groceries for registered families
- Plant prop station—bring cuttings, take cuttings, and share greenery
- Clothing giveaway—donate gently used items or pick up what you need
- Community resource vendors offering vital services onsite
Our program is open to all families, with the majority of recipients being women-led households with four or more members—reflecting the deep need among caregivers and multi-generational homes.
Event details
- When: Second Friday of each month
- Time: 12 PM to 1 PM
- Where: City Heights — Officer Jeremy Henwood Park, 4455 Wightman Street, San Diego, CA 92105
- How: Register in advance to receive groceries. Pick-up available by vehicle or walk-up with confirmation.
Powered by Community
This monthly event is made possible through the generous support of our partners below. We wouldn’t be where we are without them, we appreciate you all so much!
- Food Rescue Mission, which serves the City Heights community by helping us secure fresh food.
- Activist SD, based in City Heights, who supports monthly volunteer coordination and outreach.
- Chef Cindy Fuller Quinonez, our chef, drives to pick up food and delivers it to our food distribution site in a timely manner.
We also host community resource vendors who provide wraparound support:
Organization | Services Offered |
La Maestra | Food pantry, health clinic services, and self-sufficiency programs |
LiveWell San Diego | CalFRESH enrollment, immigration support, and wellness resources |
SAY San Diego | Youth services, family support, and community engagement |
…and more | Additional partners rotate monthly to meet evolving community needs |
Get involved
We welcome:
- Volunteers ready to support food bagging and distribution
- Partner organizations seeking to fulfill service hours
- Community members who want to donate clothing or plants
👉 Register today to receive groceries or sign up to volunteer.
👉 Bring your donations and help us grow a culture of sharing.
What our drop-off process looks like:
- Donate Food on Distribution Day: We welcome and appreciate your generosity! If you’d like to bring food donations on the day of our distribution, please complete the quick form below so we can prepare to receive and organize your items efficiently.
- How it works:
1) Fill out the Donation Form: Let us know what you’re bringing by completing our Donations Drop-Off Form below.
Include:
– Type of donation (e.g., food/product/books/plants/clothes, canned goods, fresh produce, baked items);
– Quantity or approximate weight
– Any special handling instructions (e.g., refrigeration needed)
2) Drop-off Location & Time: Bring your donations to our designated drop-off zone at:
Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park 4455 Wightman Street San Diego, CA 92105
– Drop-off window: TBA
3) On Arrival: Look for the “Donor Check-In” table
– Volunteers will assist with unloading and sorting
– You’ll receive a thank-you token and an optional receipt for your records
What we Accept:
- We gladly accept:
– Non-perishable items (canned, boxed, sealed)
– Fresh produce and baked goods (must be labeled and dated)
– Packaged meals or snacks (individually wrapped preferred)
- Please avoid:
– Expired items
– Open or partially used products
– Items requiring extensive refrigeration or cooking
Sponsors & PArtners Spotlight
Here are some of our spotlighted sponsors and partners who work with us in our journey of giving back to the community:
Water & Kindness
Supplies water straight to us!
SuperCocina
Donates prepared food so that we can serve people to eat in the park!
City Heights Defense Committee
Empowers City Heights residents through education, mobilization, and connections to become leaders in their own community affairs so that all working families can thrive.
Food Distribution Event Location
Officer Jeremy Henwood Memorial Park
4455 Wightman Street
San Diego, CA 92105
Join us the second Friday of Every Month from 12pm-1pm!
Future Dates:
August 8, 2025
September 12, 2025
October 10, 2025
November 14, 2025
December 12, 2025
Imagine this: a welcoming space where community members come together to bag and share fresh, locally sourced food—with care, intention, and compassion. ASCENDtials’ monthly food distribution isn’t just about providing groceries; it’s about building connections, supporting families, and honoring the strength of our neighborhoods. Join us on the second Friday of each month in San Diego as we turn service into celebration—where giving back is as nourishing as the food we share. Because everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food—and a community that cares.
How you can help?
Interested in joining the monthly distribution as a sponsor? Apply now by clicking the button below!
Interested in volunteering? Fill out the application and waiver below?
You can also learn more about our partner San Diego Rescue Mission by following the link below.
Questions? Visit our FAQs page below
