A variety of colorful fresh produce.

Newsroom

At the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, we believe food security is a universal need.
As the region’s largest hunger-relief organization, we serve as a critical lifeline for 400,000 people every month across San Diego County. Through a combination of direct programs and a network of more than 450 nonprofit partners, we provide food assistance to individuals and families facing food insecurity, while also advocating for systemic change and building a healthier, more resilient community.

Media Contact

For media and press inquiries, please contact:

Arika Daniels
Senior Director of Communications
adaniels@sandiegofoodbank.org
858-863-5216

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Fuel your impact with the latest news and updates from the San Diego Food Bank.

News Bites

New federal policy changes are expected to impact thousands of San Diego County residents, with an estimated 13,000 people losing CalFresh (SNAP) eligibility immediately and tens of thousands more in the months ahead. Many of those affected include lawfully present individuals such as refugees and asylum seekers, creating new uncertainty for households already navigating high costs of living. The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank says it is preparing for increased demand, working closely with more than 450 nonprofit partners to expand food access in communities most impacted. Leaders note that food assistance remains available to anyone in need, regardless of changes to federal benefits. With demand already rising and distributions moving faster, the Food Bank is scaling up food purchases and outreach efforts. Community members can also play a role by volunteering, donating, or hosting food drives to help ensure families continue to receive reliable support. ________________________________________________________________________ Original Air Date: Monday, March 30, 2025 | Source: FOX 5 (Downloaded via TVEyes)
San Diego Food Bank Expands Response as SNAP Eligibility Changes Take Effect
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As gas prices continue to rise, more San Diego County families are facing difficult tradeoffs, often cutting back on groceries to cover essential expenses like transportation. Local leaders say this pattern is driving increased demand for food assistance across the region. The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is serving more than 400,000 people each month, with that number continuing to climb. Rising fuel and food costs are also impacting food banks directly, increasing operational expenses at the same time demand is growing. Through a network of more than 450 nonprofit partners and hundreds of monthly distributions, the Food Bank is working to ensure families can access food close to home. Community support remains essential, with opportunities to volunteer, donate, or host food drives helping sustain hunger-relief efforts during periods of economic pressure. ________________________________________________________________________ Original Air Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2025 | Source: KUSI (Downloaded via TVEyes)
Higher Fuel Prices Lead to Tough Choices for Families
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Hundreds of thousands of San Diego County residents could see changes to their food and medical benefits starting next month as new federal rules take effect. Beginning in April, some CalFresh and Medi-Cal recipients may lose benefits if they do not update required information, while new work requirements will apply to certain adults, requiring at least 80 hours per month of work, training, or volunteering. Local leaders say most people are still expected to qualify, but staying informed and completing updates on time will be critical. The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, which serves more than 400,000 people each month, is coordinating with more than 450 nonprofit partners to prepare for potential increases in need. Community organizations are working to ensure families remain connected to food and essential services during this transition. ________________________________________________________________________ Original Air Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2025 | Source: NBC 7 (Downloaded via TVEyes)
County Officials Urge Residents to Stay Informed on SNAP Benefit Updates
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New federal rules set to take effect April 1 could impact CalFresh recipients across San Diego County, with some individuals at risk of losing benefits if required updates are not completed. Changes include new work requirements for certain adults, who must log at least 80 hours per month through employment, training, or volunteering to remain eligible. Advocates say the updates may disproportionately affect people with inconsistent work schedules, caregivers, and those who miss important notices. At the same time, eligibility changes will affect some lawfully present noncitizens. The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, which serves more than 400,000 people each month, is working closely with a network of over 450 nonprofit partners to prepare for potential increases in need. Leaders say coordination and community outreach will be key to ensuring families remain connected to food and essential services during the transition. ________________________________________________________________________ Original Air Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2025 | Source: KPBS (Downloaded via TVEyes)
What to Know About Upcoming CalFresh Rule Changes
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Community leaders gathered at the 211 San Diego call center to announce the launch of a new countywide initiative, "San Diegans Helping San Diegans," designed to strengthen access to essential services as uncertainty grows around federal funding cuts. 211 San Diego provides free, 24/7 access to trained community resource specialists who connect residents to food assistance, housing support, healthcare, utility payment help, employment services, childcare, and military and veteran services. CEO William York shared the new campaign will raise awareness about available resources while helping address service gaps created by reductions in federal health care and nutrition funding. The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank was highlighted as a key partner in that effort. CEO Casey Castillo underscored the importance of CalFresh as a foundation of food security and noted 211’s role in helping households apply for and maintain benefits. With more than 1,200 agencies in its referral network, 211 San Diego's services are available to people of all ages and backgrounds and tracks changes to ensure residents remain informed and supported. ________________________________________________________________________ Original Air Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2025 | Source: NBC 7 (Downloaded via TVEyes)
How 211 San Diego Is Helping Families Stay Connected to Services
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