“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured
by the compassionate actions of its members”
~ Coretta Scott King
The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, through a combination of programs and robust network of more than 450 local partners, distributed nearly 53 million pounds of food and supplies in FY 24/25. The organization serves 400,000 people per month in communities throughout San Diego County. Amy Jacobs and Jennifer Anderson are the 2026 Gala Chairs and long-time, caring supporters.
#1 Where were you born?
Amy Jacobs: I was born and raised in Edmonton, Canada.
Jennifer Anderson: I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona.
#2 Do you have a favorite travel destination?
Amy: Banff, Alberta.
Jennifer: South America, especially Patagonia.
#3 Are there any places you have not been to that you would like to visit?
Amy: Greece.
Jennifer: Japan.
#4 Do you have a bucket list?
Amy: Go on Safari with my husband and kids (when they are MUCH older).
Jennifer: Opening Day at the French Open, and I am going in May!
#5 Do you have any book recommendations?
Amy: Anything by Louise Penny or Dean Koontz.
Jennifer: The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness by Marc S. Schulz and Robert J. Waldinger.
#6 Why do you think it is important to give back to our community?
Amy: I feel a responsibility to give back in the ways that I can to try and make the world a better, healthier and more equitable place.
Jennifer: Acts of kindness, and service – you do not know the ripple it will create.
#7 What is the mission of the San Diego Food Bank?
The San Diego Food Bank provides nutritious food to people in need, advocates for the hungry, and educates the public about hunger-related issues.
#8 How did you get involved with San Diego Food Bank?
Amy: My mom worked as the Volunteer Coordinator at the Edmonton Food Bank when I was younger. I learned at an early age the vital role a food bank plays in the health of a community.
Jennifer: Amy invited me, and through that introduction I came to understand how profoundly the San Diego Food Bank impacts the lives of so many children.
#9 What is The Food 4 Kids Backpack Program?
This program provides weekend food packages to chronically hungry elementary school students who are at risk of hunger over the weekend when free school meals are unavailable.
#10 Will the proceeds from your gala go towards a specific program?
All proceeds from our gala will support our hunger‑relief programs, which provide nutritious meals to children, military families, seniors, and others facing food insecurity across our community. Every dollar raised helps change lives – because no one in San Diego should go hungry.
San Diego Food Bank
14th Annual San Diego Food Bank Gala
Saturday, May 2, 2026
San Diego Food Bank – Miramar Warehouse,
9850 Distribution Avenue, San Diego
