San Diego Pickleball Food Charity Event 2025: The Del Mar Wine + Food Festival is more than a culinary celebration—it’s a growing force for good in San Diego. Now in its third year, the weeklong event returns with its signature blend of food, wine, wellness, and charity. But beyond the plates and pours lies a deeper mission: feeding San Diego’s hungry.
With a renewed partnership with Feeding San Diego, this year’s festival doubles down on impact. From celebrity pickleball tournaments to every ticket sold, it’s all designed to help provide meals for the local community.
Key Highlights
2025 Del Mar Wine + Food Festival supports Feeding San Diego for the third year
Pickleball tournament returns Sept. 12 with celebrity players like Drew Brees
Last year’s event helped prepare over 50,000 meals for San Diegans
Festival founders aim to double their contribution this year
Registration now open for the 2025 pickleball event
A Festival That Feeds More Than Appetites
From day one, the festival’s founders—Chris Finn, Ernie Hahn, Claire and Troy Johnson, and Jeremy Macdonald—envisioned more than just a food and drink showcase. They wanted something rooted in community, something that gave back. That’s where Feeding San Diego came in.
The nonprofit’s focus on rescuing food and redirecting it to families in need stood out. Its innovative model works with grocers, farms, and local partners to recover food that might otherwise go to waste. From there, it’s distributed through schools, libraries, and local organizations.
“Connecting food with purpose has always been our goal,” said co-founder Claire Johnson. “Feeding San Diego makes that possible on a real, impactful scale.”
Celebrity Pickleball for a Cause
One of the most popular additions to the festival has been the annual celebrity pickleball tournament. Set to return on Friday, Sept. 12, this lively competition not only brings excitement—it raises real money for hunger relief.
Football great Drew Brees is once again leading the charge, joining a roster of athletes, entertainers, and food personalities. Past participants include tennis star James Blake, surfing icon Rob Machado, and former MLB players.
In 2024, the tournament alone helped provide more than 50,000 meals. The format lets players team up with pros or celebrities—or compete independently—all while contributing to a powerful cause. The 2025 goal is to double last year’s impact, and registration is now open.
More Than a Meal: The Power of Small Acts
Feeding San Diego is part of the national Feeding America network, but its local roots run deep. Through food rescue and smart distribution, the organization can stretch each dollar further—on average, providing two full meals for every dollar donated.
That means even modest contributions go a long way. “People are often surprised by how much they can help,” said Allison Glader, who works with Feeding San Diego. “A small donation, sharing a link, showing up to an event—it all matters.”
The rising need for assistance in the region only underscores how vital this work has become. And thanks to events like the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival, more people are getting involved in meaningful, tangible ways.
News in Brief: San Diego Pickleball Food Charity Event 2025
As the 2025 Del Mar Wine + Food Festival approaches, excitement builds not just for the flavors and festivities—but for the good it brings to the San Diego community. From gourmet tastings to charity pickleball, it’s an event with heart.
With Feeding San Diego as its longtime beneficiary, the festival proves that food can do more than satisfy hunger—it can change lives. And this September, that mission takes center stage once again.
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