SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- The San Diego Food Bank on Thursday selected 35 nonprofit organizations around the county with the goal of giving them the food and supplies they need to continue helping families in their area.
La Maestra Community Health Center provides health and support services to families from the South Bay to East County. Many of those they serve come from low-income households.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, they helped about 300 families a week. Since then, that number has doubled, and they’re now feeding close to 600 families a week.
At a news conference with mayors from San Diego, Chula Vista, and Escondido, the San Diego Food Bank announced the kickoff of their “Super Pantries” program, where they have partnered with 35 pre-selected organizations.
Instead of holding the mass distribution food events that they’ve done in the past, the Food Bank will now focus on providing these organizations with food and supplies.
San Diego Food Bank President/CEO James Floros said, “Now with the grass roots approach, they can go into their communities and get what they need.”
Each organization will also get a check for $20,000. Robert Marquez of La Maestra said that money will go towards buying a new delivery truck so they can continue their work in the community.
The super pantries will begin serving families on July 1.
