Callie Restaurant Raises 1 Million Meals for Feeding San Diego

The East Village restaurant's annual charity dinner supports school pantry program.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Callie, a restaurant in San Diego's East Village, hosted its third-annual Pairings with a Purpose fundraising dinner for Feeding San Diego on February 26. The event raised enough money to provide 1 million meals for the nonprofit's clients, which will be used to support its School Pantry Program that serves needy students and their families. Over the past three years, Callie's fundraisers have helped open and sustain a new school pantry at Burbank Elementary School in the Logan Heights neighborhood, where 95% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

Why it matters

The Pairings with a Purpose dinners at Callie highlight the restaurant's commitment to addressing food insecurity in the local community. With the pandemic disrupting many food assistance programs, Feeding San Diego has been focused on rebuilding and expanding its efforts, making partnerships with local businesses like Callie crucial.

The details

At the February 26 dinner, Callie and its 145 guests raised enough money to provide 1 million meals for Feeding San Diego's clients. The funds will specifically support the nonprofit's School Pantry Program, which provides food to needy students and their families outside of regular school hours. Over the past three years, Callie's fundraisers have helped open and sustain a new school pantry at Burbank Elementary School in the Logan Heights neighborhood, where 95% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

  • Callie hosted its third-annual Pairings with a Purpose fundraising dinner on February 26, 2026.
  • Over the past three years, Callie has hosted the annual charity dinner for Feeding San Diego.

The players

Callie

A restaurant in San Diego's East Village that hosts an annual fundraising dinner for Feeding San Diego.

Travis Swikard

The chef and co-owner of Callie and Fleurette restaurants in San Diego, who is committed to addressing food insecurity in the local community.

Mia Swikard

The wife of Travis Swikard, who co-owns Callie restaurant with her husband.

Feeding San Diego

A nonprofit organization that provides food assistance to those in need in the San Diego area, including through its School Pantry Program.

Ali Colbran

The senior director of development at Feeding San Diego.

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What they’re saying

“We are beyond grateful that Callie continues to host this fundraiser and for our donors who showed up so significantly to support this year, getting us to over one million meals in one evening.”

— Ali Colbran, Senior Director of Development, Feeding San Diego

“I believe in the power of giving, and through hosting the Pairings with a Purpose Dinner Party each year, I can show my team the importance of supporting programs that positively impact our community. I am moved that our efforts mean we are able to sponsor Burbank Elementary to ensure students and their families receive the food they need. We look forward to continuing to foster our partnership with Feeding San Diego to bring awareness to this important mission.”

— Travis Swikard, Chef and Co-Owner, Callie

What’s next

Callie and Feeding San Diego plan to continue their partnership and annual fundraising dinner to support the School Pantry Program and other food assistance efforts in the San Diego community.

The takeaway

Callie's commitment to addressing food insecurity through its annual charity dinner for Feeding San Diego demonstrates how local businesses can leverage their platforms and resources to make a meaningful impact in their communities, especially during times of increased need.