SD Food Bank's North County facility sees growing need as CalFresh rules change

Added: 2026-05-22

[00:00:01]It's now been 6 months since the San Diego Food Bank opened a facility in Vista. North County Inland Reporter Jane Kim covered the opening. Tonight she follows through with the growing number of people relying on it. 6 months after opening a new location in North County, we follow through as rising costs continue to drive more families to the San Diego Food Bank. Produce, meats, and breads, the staples still being handed out 6 months after this North County facility opened. The location serves North County communities including Escondido, San Marcos, and Vista. This is kind of that fresh produce that I was mentioning. We have Perez is the San Diego Food Bank's North County General Manager.

[00:00:44]I first told you about the Food Bank's new location back in January. This newly purchased building in Vista is open for the San Diego Food Bank distributing food items to people throughout North County. At that point, they just opened and didn't know what the need would be.

[00:00:57]6 months later, hundreds of people have showed up for help. I believe last week we saw over 100 new intakes that that um we've assisted through our pantry.

[00:01:06]David's anticipating that number will grow. Not only are costs rising, CalFresh benefit rules will soon change.

[00:01:13]Those federal work requirements take effect June 1st. Residents who receive benefits will need to meet work or volunteer requirements to get or keep CalFresh benefits. A lot of those new intakes that I was talking about, um a majority of the things that they've been asking is can I leave with food today?

[00:01:29]And so I'm very pleased to say yeah, absolutely. Let's fill out this form really quick and and you'll be able to leave with food today. As Perez anticipates an influx of clients, he's thankful for the volunteers helping make it happen. San Diego is such a diverse community. Um so it just gives me a a chance to just get out and see everyone and all their different lifestyles and kind of just make relationships with people and I think that's really important. In Vista, Jane Kim, ABC 10 News.

[00:01:55]Jane covers the North County inland communities of San Marcos and Escondido.

[00:02:01]If you live there and have a story she should look into, scan the QR code or email her at the address on your screen.