Harmonizing Community and Nourishment: San Carlos Community Garden's Stuff the Pantry Summer Concert Series

The San Carlos Community Garden (SCCG) is hosting its second annual Stuff the Pantry Summer Concert Series, a free event that combines musical performances with a mission to support those facing food insecurity in the local community. Presented by Aloha Solar, the concert series will take place on three Friday evenings from 6-8 p.m. – July 19, Aug. 16, and Sept. 20.

Uplifting Melodies, Nourishing Souls

Fostering Community Connections through Music

The Stuff the Pantry Summer Concert Series is more than just a musical showcase; it's a platform to bring the community together and address the pressing issue of food insecurity. Each concert will feature three local artists, offering a diverse array of musical talents. While the performances are free to attend, concertgoers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations to support the Good Shepherd Food Pantry.Sandé Lollis, an award-winning San Diego-based vocalist and songwriter, has been instrumental in organizing the SCCG's music-focused events. For Lollis, music serves as a catalyst for new possibilities and greater community involvement. "It brings me immense joy and fulfillment to witness the collective efforts of everyone involved with the garden, whether they're sharing their harvest with those in need or organizing food donations," she said.

Addressing the Hunger Crisis in San Diego

The concert series has a crucial mission: to aid those facing hunger in the community. According to the San Diego Food Bank, an estimated 795,000 of the city's 3.2 million residents are nutrition insecure. Food banks often face their greatest need for donations during the summer months, as families with children who had been receiving free or reduced-cost meals at school now need to find alternative sources of sustenance."Most of us take access to food for granted, but there are a lot of people in our community who need help to feed themselves and their family," said SCCG Board Chair Kelly Wood. "We're excited to put on a Summer Concert series that will bring the community together for such an important cause while enjoying an evening of friendship and really great music in the garden."

Empowering Local Artists and Advocates

The concert series features a diverse lineup of local artists, each with a unique connection to the cause. Lindsay White, a two-time San Diego Music Award winner, is excited to perform at the garden again this year, alongside fellow musicians. "It's such a beautiful location and playing outside is one of my favorite things to do," she said. White's music has also been recognized for its impact, with her album 'Lights Out' debuting at #2 on the iTunes Singer-Songwriter charts and being named #1 Album of the Year by Global Texan Chronicles.Jeff Berkley, a celebrated musician known for his contributions to the local music scene, is also taking the SCCG stage. Berkley's personal experience with homelessness has fueled his passion for this cause. "I've been really lucky and had a lot of help along the way. I'm at the point now where I can actually do something to help and it feels really good," he said.Julia Sage, known for her solo, duo, and trio performances throughout San Diego, as well as her incorporation of sound healing, native flutes, and ancient vocals, will also be performing. Sage is thrilled to be part of an event that combines local art with community care, stating, "I am thrilled to be a part of this series that encourages people to come together around a shared goal of food and wealth redistribution to help under-resourced neighbors."

Cultivating a Bountiful Harvest for the Food Pantry

In addition to the musical performances, the SCCG has taken a proactive approach to addressing food insecurity. In 2022, the garden began donating food grown and harvested from the garden to the Good Shepherd Food Pantry. This year, with the help of a grant from Blue Shield of California and many volunteers, the SCCG has constructed a dedicated Food Bank Garden, consisting of six plots strictly used for growing food for the Food Pantry."Right now we have tomatoes, peppers, kale, chard, onions, squash and herbs that are close to harvest time. It's a great day when we get to pass the bounty on to those in need. That's what 'growing community is all about," said Wood.The Stuff the Pantry Summer Concert Series promises to be a harmonious blend of music, community, and nourishment, providing a platform for local artists to showcase their talents while addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity in the San Diego area.