At least three local San Diego beverage producers — AleSmith Brewing, Cutwater Spirits, and Highland Valley Vineyards — are contributing to the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank during the coronavirus pandemic.
Outside of AleSmith Brewing’s gift shop in Miramar (9990 AleSmith Court), bins will be staged for no-contact drop-offs through May 8, during these hours: Mon – Tue: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.; Wed – Sat: 12pm – 7pm; and Sun: 12pm – 5pm. Needed food items include the following:
- Canned Meat (Canned Chicken & Tuna)
- Dry & Canned Beans
- Cereal
- Rice
- Nuts & Seeds
- Peanut Butter
- Canned Soup
- Canned & Dried Fruit
- Canned Vegetables
- Powdered Milk
- Infant Formula
Those who donate food items or cash will be entered into a raffle for AleSmith merch like hats, shirts, or glassware. Those who donate virtually will also be entered, although you must forward your confirmation email to giftshop@alesmith.com with the subject “opportunity drawing entry.” One grand prize winner for the entire food drive will receive a gift basket of merchandise plus a $100 gift card. The company has set a donation goal of $2500 in honor of their 25th anniversary this year.
Miramar-based Cutwater Spirits is using its production resources and facility to produce an 80% alcohol hand sanitizer in accordance with FDA guidelines, 100% of which is being donated to non-profits in San Diego County, including first responders and longtime charity partner, San Diego Food Bank. Cutwater Spirits will also be donating funds to the Food Bank that will help the organization produce over 50,000 meals to be distributed to San Diegans affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
Escondido’s Highland Valley Vineyards is donating 20% of gross wine sales to the SD Food Bank through at least May 15.
“Our winery is open for carry-out sales and we have an online shop on our website with UPS delivery options. Our patrons are home, cooking healthy meals paired with great wines. We hope this is an even more rewarding experience knowing a portion of their purchase is going to help the less fortunate in our community enjoy their own meal that evening,” said Ray Schnorr, co-owner and winemaker.
The boutique winery, established in 2007, is open for carry-out bottle sales on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. at 15412 Bandy Canyon Road.