By Cassie N. Saunders
COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE
The County is planning to double its Safety Net Bridge Food Distribution sites, expanding access to essential resources for residents across the region. Six new distribution locations are launching this winter, in high-need, data-identified zip codes.
New sites anticipated to open include Lemon Grove, Mountain Empire, National City, San Ysidro and Southeastern San Diego, with additional locations already in discussion for 2027.
The Safety Net Bridge Program, offered in partnership with San Diego Food Bank and Feeding San Diego, connects households with nutritious food and other supports. County staff expanded the program in direct response to real-time data showing increasing demand for food and benefits assistance.
Between August 8 through October 10, the program served more than 2,400 households across 16 events, underscoring both the ongoing need and the value of bringing services directly into neighborhoods.
In addition to food distribution, several locations now offer vaccinations, behavioral health connections, housing resources, and services for seniors and families—making it easier for residents to get multiple types of support in one location.
This expansion comes as more residents face federal benefits reductions. Since June, about 2,200 people in San Diego County lost food benefits due to recently re-implemented federal work requirements.
Out of more than 37,000 people up for renewal during the same period, nearly 8,000 did not complete their renewal paperwork during the same period, and just over 1,500 non-citizens were discontinued because of new federal eligibility rules or incomplete renewals.
The Safety Net Bridge Program is one of several County efforts to help residents navigate federal benefits changes. Additional resources and support are available at the County’s Federal Impacts Assistance Hub.
Reprinted courtesy San Diego County Office of Communications.