Lids of Encouragement

Since 2013, our community has crafted thousands of lids with uplifting messages at markets, schools, and online. These lids seal meals and care kits distributed to those in need across San Diego, including hospitals and shelters. Each lid carries a unique message to brighten someone's day, reflecting our mission to uniquely encourage those in need.

Join the Movement

Lids of Encouragement: Spreading Hope One Lid at a Time

Since 2013, the Lids of Encouragement initiative has brought our community together to create uplifting messages that seal meals, care packages, and hygiene kits for those facing hardship. From Farmers Markets to schools and online events, thousands of lids have been crafted with words meant to brighten someone’s day. These lids have sealed meals distributed at hospitals, shelters, and streets across San Diego, including a special moment when we delivered meals to a friend in the hospital who has since recovered fully. Our mission is simple: to uniquely encourage those in need, because you never know who receives a lid, but who receives it matters deeply. You can help by joining us to create or distribute lids in San Diego—your participation makes a real difference.

Contact Us

Lids of Encouragement

How a Simple Lid Became a Symbol of Hope and Care

Since 2013, our Lids of Encouragement initiative has brought the community together to create messages that brighten someone’s day. These lids seal meals, care packages, and hygiene kits distributed to those facing hardship in San Diego. From farmers markets to schools and online events, thousands have contributed heartfelt notes. We’ve handed out these sealed meals at hospitals, including one memorable time when a friend was sick but recovered fully. Our mission is clear: to uniquely encourage those in need, reminding them that while you don’t know who receives a lid, who receives it truly matters. Join us in creating or distributing Lids and help spread encouragement across our community.

Get Involved

Impact in Numbers

Since 2013, Army of Saints has distributed thousands of meals and care kits sealed with Lids of Encouragement, created by community members across San Diego. Each lid carries a personal message meant to uplift and support those facing hardship.

45,000+

Meals sealed and distributed with encouraging lids to individuals experiencing homelessness and vulnerability.

12,000+

Care kits delivered, each sealed with a unique lid containing heartfelt messages from schools, markets, and online contributors.

150+

Community events held where people of all ages crafted lids, including Farmers Markets, schools, colleges, and virtual gatherings.

30+

Partnerships formed with local organizations, hospitals, and food providers to expand the reach of our encouragement and care.

Encouragement Sealed with Every Lid

Voices from Our Lids of Encouragement Initiative

Creating lids at the local farmers market gave me a chance to share hope in a simple way. Knowing these messages travel with meals to those who need them most makes every word count.

Maria T., San Diego Farmers Market Volunteer

Receiving a meal sealed with a lid that had a personal message lifted my spirits during a tough time. It reminded me that someone cared, even when I felt invisible.

James R., Meal Recipient, San Diego

Participating in a lid creation event at my college connected me to the community in a meaningful way. It’s powerful to see how small acts of kindness can ripple out and impact lives.

Samantha L., SDSU Student Volunteer

Our team

This is a paragraph. Writing in paragraphs lets visitors find what they are looking for quickly and easily. Make sure the title suits the content of this text.

Lids of Encouragement