Community
San Diego County to double food-distribution sites this winter
Six additional Safety Net Bridge sites are planned in high-need ZIP codes as the county responds to rising demand for food and benefits assistance.
San Diego County said it plans to add six Safety Net Bridge food-distribution locations this winter, doubling the program’s reach. Anticipated communities include Lemon Grove, Mountain Empire, National City, San Ysidro and Southeastern San Diego, with more locations under discussion for 2027.
The county launched the program with the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and Feeding San Diego. From August 8 through October 10, it served more than 2,400 households during 16 distribution events, according to the county’s October 15 announcement.
New locations: Six planned this winter
Recent reach: More than 2,400 households at 16 events
Partners: San Diego Food Bank and Feeding San Diego
Additional help: Select sites connect visitors with health, housing, senior and family services
More than food distribution
Several program locations now pair groceries with vaccinations, behavioral-health connections, housing resources and services for seniors and families. The county said it expanded the program after real-time data showed increased demand for food and public-benefit help.
The announcement also said about 2,200 San Diego County residents had lost food benefits since federal work requirements resumed in June. Of more than 37,000 people whose benefits came up for renewal during that period, nearly 8,000 did not complete renewal paperwork; the county reported that just over 1,500 noncitizens were discontinued because of new federal eligibility rules or incomplete renewals.
Official announcement: County of San Diego — October 15, 2026 →
Program information: Safety Net Bridge food-distribution resources →