when the founders, James and Regina Gamboa decided to cook a pot of soup from their leftover Thanksgiving dinner and take it to someone in need. They found a woman sitting on the cold concrete and handed her a bowl of turkey soup and the rest as they say is history!

They were soon feeding about 50 homeless individuals every Tuesday. As relationships were being formed and trust was built, James and Regina along with a great group of volunteers fell in love with this group of unsheltered people and affectionately tagged them the “Homies.” In the years that followed not only were meals provided, but also tents, sleeping bags, socks, clothes, shoes and other necessities. Project 1:1 was also able to connect the Homies with county resources as social workers began attending the weekly dinners.

Holidays were always a big deal and the Gamboa’s and their team made sure the Homies were treated just like everybody else. Tables and chairs with linens were set out, full course meals were served and presents were passed out, making sure everyone got a gift. Time and time again, they learned that it is truly better to give than to receive. 

As the world struggled through Covid, Project 1:1 was stretched. Now it wasn’t only the unsheltered who needed help, but families were having difficulty making ends meet as well. Acting as one of the 35 Super Pantries in the county, Project 1:1 served thousands of people in the South Bay area of San Diego. The countless lines of cars and the manner that food was being passed out became very disturbing to them. Understanding that food insecurity was at an all time high and that it was a only temporary solution to a crisis. The Gamboa’s set out to change how free food was being accessed in the community. Their goal was to give food out in a more dignified way while also being sensitive to the reality that we don’t all eat the same things. 

In the Spring of 2021, Project 1:1 acquired a former restaurant and began what would become a 22 month struggle of ups and downs. In November of 2022, the Gamboas made a very hard decision to change their focus away from the homeless to a community pantry called, Magnolia Project. A dear friend and devoted volunteer agreed to continue with the weekly homeless dinners so that they could focus on the pantry. 

Magnolia Project is the first people’s choice pantry of its kind in San Diego County. Clients are invited to come in and shop for nutritious healthy foods free of charge. Magnolia even carries pet food, cleaning and hygiene products and other items that can’t be purchased with EBT cards. There is also an alternative and international food section for those with cultural sensitivities and dietary restrictions. The no-cost pantry provides food to anyone in need, however their target area is to cities between National City to San Ysidro. 

Along with its beautifully decorated country charm and warm ambiance, Magnolia offers nutritional education through in-house literature as well as healthy nutritious educational cooking classes. The cooking classes are referred to as “Maggie’s Table.” Maggie’s Table offers an 8-week extensive cooking course that encourages healthy eating through class lectures followed by a hands-on cooking class with local chefs, food experts and nutritionists.

For those that cannot commit to the 8 weeks, they offer weekly drop-in classes. Both classes are free to the community. Project 1:1 believes that all people matter regardless of socioeconomic status, whether they're eating out of a dumpster or wearing a business suit. Hunger knows no boundaries.

When you see people through the eyes of compassion and grace, the possibilities are endless. 

With the mission of “Each One Reach One, Each One Love One,” Regina and her husband James are responsible for executing this vision on a day-to-day basis. Whether it’s helping a client make nutritious choices or organizing free healthy cooking classes, the goal is that no one should go hungry. Driven by their faith, The Gamboa’s believe that all people matter, and all judgments must be set aside when it comes to meeting the needs of others.