Food, Family, and Community: The Center’s Commitment This Holiday Season

By Gus Hernandez

Joy, togetherness, and celebration. While the holiday season is often described in these terms, for many LGBTQ+ community members this time of year can be challenging. Limited support systems, a lack of safe spaces, and few affirming celebrations can make the holidays feel isolating. 

That’s why The San Diego LGBT Community Center hosts Come Home For The Holidays, an annual celebration of community and care, taking place this year on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 4–6 p.m. at The Center. This free, family-friendly event is designed to bring people together for a warm meal, meaningful connection, and access to vital resources.

Thanks to a generous donation from Gossip Grill, guests will enjoy a delicious holiday meal in a welcoming space that truly feels like home. The evening will feature activities for youth, a dedicated area for seniors, a mindfulness space, a hot chocolate station, and even a mini piñata-making room. Performances by local community members will add festive cheer, and resource tables hosted by LGBTQ-affirming organizations will provide information and support.

Come Home For The Holidays is more than an event—it’s a tradition rooted in the values of chosen family and resilience. It’s a reminder that our community thrives when we care for one another. RSVP today at https://bit.ly/CHFTH-2025 and join us for a celebration of belonging.

Food Insecurity in Our Community

The holidays shine a light on the importance of shared meals, but food insecurity is a year-round reality for many in San Diego. According to the San Diego Hunger Coalition, more than one in four San Diegans experienced food insecurity in June 2025. Programs like CalFresh, California’s version of SNAP, provide the majority of meals to those in need, yet ongoing threats to these safety nets put vulnerable communities at risk, including LGBTQ+ individuals, people of color, immigrants, and those living with disabilities.

Our LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges. Transgender and nonbinary people, in particular, experience higher rates of poverty and unemployment, making access to food resources even more critical. At The Center, food insecurity is not just as an issue of hunger, but one of dignity, health, and stability. 

Year-Round Food Resources at The Center

In addition to the free meal at Come Home For The Holidays, The Center offers multiple ways for community members to access food throughout the year:

Neighborhood Food Banks: Free and open to all, these events are hosted in partnership with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. Upcoming dates at The Center:

• Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 8–10 a.m.
• Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 8–10 a.m.
• Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 8–10 a.m.

Senior Food Banks: For low-income seniors (60+), providing essential groceries in partnership with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. Upcoming dates at The Center:

• Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 1–3 p.m.
• Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 1–3 p.m.

Youth Services Pantries: Non-perishable food and meals available at the Hillcrest Youth Center and South Bay Youth Center, for youth ages 10 to 24 and their families. Visit https://thecentersd.org/youth-services/ for more information.

Senior Services Meals: Free meals at senior events like Senior Lunch and Learn, and daily meals through our Congregate Meal Program offered in partnership with Jewish Family Service. Visit https://thecentersd.org/senior-services/ for more information.

Project Compassion: Every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., The Center provides food, water, snacks, and essentials to unhoused community members, and a case manager is available to connect folks to resources.

The San Diego LGBT Community Center is located at 3909 Centre Street in Hillcrest, and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  The Center will be closed on Wednesday, December 24 – Thursday December 25, 2025 and Wednesday, December 31, 2025 – Thursday, January 1, 2026.

Why This Matters

Food insecurity touches every part of a person’s life, from physical health to emotional well-being. The Center’s commitment to care means ensuring that no one in our community faces these challenges alone. Whether through a holiday meal, a weekly food bank, or a youth pantry, The Center strives to create spaces where people can access resources with dignity and feel the support of a community that cares.

This holiday season, all are invited to attend Come Home For The Holidays and experience the warmth of chosen family. Enjoy a meal, connect with others, and learn about the resources available to you, not just for the holidays, but all year long.

No one should feel alone or go hungry during the holidays or any time of year. At The Center, you are always welcome.