By SDCN Staff
Vista, CA–The Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank celebrated the opening of its new permanent home for North County operations with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 9 in Vista.
The 60,000-square-foot facility at 2260 Oak Ridge Way was made possible through the generosity of a lead donor, San Diego Food Bank representatives stated.
The facility represents a long-term investment in the region and significantly expands capacity to serve thousands more residents facing hunger and nutrition insecurity.
“This is a transformational moment for our organization and for North County,” said Casey Castillo, CEO, San Diego Food Bank. “Thanks to a forward-thinking donor who believes deeply in our mission, we were able to make a strategic, one-time investment that will strengthen our North County services and create long-term stability, especially at a time when public resources are stretched and community need remains high.”
The purchase of the property allowed the San Diego Food Bank to transition from a leased space to an owned facility, saving the organization approximately $400,000 annually. Those savings will be reinvested directly into North County programs and food distribution efforts.
The San Diego Food Bank first assumed operations of the North County Food Bank in 2015, at the request of the local community. Since then, services have expanded dramatically, with food distribution growing from 500,000 pounds in its first year to more than 9.2 million pounds annually today. Together with the Miramar warehouse, the San Diego Food Bank now delivers nearly 14 million pounds of food and supplies each year into San Diego’s northernmost communities.
In September 2024, the San Diego Food Bank formally integrated the North County Food Bank under its primary brand, unifying both facilities under one name and logo to improve access, reduce confusion, and simplify navigation for those seeking food assistance. A unified website and coordinated operations ensure clients and nonprofit partners can easily find resources when they are needed most while also providing operational savings. The rebranding was developed with input from community stakeholders and emphasizes accessibility and regional alignment.
The new Vista building includes several key operational enhancements. A larger Client Choice Pantry — set up like a neighborhood grocery store — will allow families to select food items with dignity. Expanded refrigeration and cold storage will enable the distribution of more fresh produce, dairy, protein, and perishable goods, as well as an on-site Diaper Bank providing essential items for families with young children. Additional space will also allow for co-located nonprofit partners to provide wraparound services. The larger facility will increase overall capacity to meet growing demand across North County.
“The Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank has long been a vital partner in meeting the needs of our community,” Vista Mayor John Franklin said at the event. “This permanent facility is a clear signal of their lasting commitment to Vista and all North County, ensuring local families have access to critical services for generations to come.”
According to the San Diego Hunger Coalition, roughly one in four San Diego County residents, approximately 860,500 people, face nutrition insecurity, a figure driven by economic instability and the region’s rising cost of living. A San Diego State University study of more than 1,000 residents found that individuals visiting the Vista facility reported household incomes significantly below the county average. Over half of those surveyed rely regularly on the Food Bank’s North County services.
The Jacobs and Cushman San Diego Food Bank serves as the region’s largest hunger-relief organization, providing food assistance to hundreds of thousands of San Diegans each month and distributing 52 million pounds of food annually. Through a countywide network of nonprofit partners and more than a dozen innovative programs, such as the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program, Diaper Bank Program and Client Choice Pantry, the Food Bank ensures residents have access to nutritious food and essential resources.
For more information, visit sandiegofoodbank.org.
