Community Resource Connection
Partnering With Local Organizations to Expand Access to Vital Services
Every month, the San Diego Food Bank provides food assistance to more than 400,000 people every month. Many of them are also navigating housing instability, unmet health care needs, benefits enrollment, or other challenges that go beyond what food alone can address.
Community Resource Connection connects local organizations directly to those neighbors — at the point of distribution, where trust is already established and barriers to access are low. If your organization provides services that support long-term stability, this program offers a proven, low-cost way to reach more people and expand your community footprint.
What Your Organization Can Offer
Community Resource Connection partners have provided services across a range of areas, including:
Housing and utility guidance
Employment resources
Income and benefit assistance
Social and community connection
Health management
Criminal justice and legal navigation
If your organization offers services outside of these areas, we still encourage you to reach out to us.
How the Program Works
Partner organizations are matched with 1-3 distribution sites based on their target region and population. Outreach opportunities run on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on site schedules.
Once onboarded, partners receive a program badge and an official tabling sign, giving them authorization to conduct outreach at approved distributions. Partners are asked to complete a brief survey after each distribution to help track engagement and services provided.
There is no cost to participate. Partners are responsible for supplying their own outreach materials and equipment.
How to Apply
Organizations interested in joining Community Resource Connection can submit an interest form to begin the review process. All applications are evaluated to ensure services align with the Food Bank's mission and the needs of the communities we serve.
For questions about eligibility or the application process, contact Nonprofit Services Manager Viannah Villagomez at vvillagomez@sandiegofoodbank.org. Please note that applications can take 2-3 weeks to process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate?
The application is open to all organizations. Current partners include health care providers, government agencies, and community-based organizations that offer services aligned with the Food Bank's mission.
Can I table at a Food Bank distribution without applying?
Organizations must be approved through Community Resource Connection before tabling at any Food Bank distribution. You may indicate preferred outreach locations in your application; placement is subject to site capacity and scheduling.
How long is the partnership commitment?
New partners must commit to an initial six-month term. After that, organizations may renew for an additional six months or a full year.
Is there a cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate in the program. Partners are responsible for their own outreach materials and equipment.
About Community Resource Connection
Community Resource Connection, formerly known as the Community Cares Program, launched in 2009 with a simple goal: meet people where they are. By embedding resource outreach directly into food distributions, the Food Bank and its partners can offer neighbors access to the broader safety net in a single visit. Today, the program works with more than 10 active partner organizations across a network of 400+ distribution sites countywide.
