San Diego Food Bank

What San Diego Food Bank does

The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit hunger-relief organization founded in 1977 and headquartered in Miramar, with a secondary North County facility in Vista. It is the largest hunger-relief organization in San Diego County, distributing more than 50 million pounds of food annually to over 400,000 people each month through a network of 450+ nonprofit partners and 70+ distribution sites. The organization is staffed by 51-100 employees and supported by 15,000+ annual volunteers.

The food bank's product surface spans direct food distribution, nutrition education, and benefit enrollment assistance. Core programs include the Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP), the Senior Food Program, CalFresh Outreach (SNAP enrollment), Neighborhood Distribution, the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program (serving 3,700 students weekly across 99 schools in 19 districts), the College Hunger-Relief Program, the Client Choice Pantry model, Nutrition & Wellness education, the Diaper Bank, the Period Supply Program, the Fresh Rescue food recovery program aligned with California SB 1383, the Military Initiative (serving 40,000+ military family members monthly through 13 partner agencies), and Food Bank University training for partner agencies. The Farm to Family Program sources 20+ million pounds of fresh produce annually.

The underlying technology stack is operational rather than product-centric: a GPS-based Food Locator Map for client self-service, the Oasis Insight Client Database for partner case management, the Partner Web Portal (PWW) for partner intake and reporting, VolunteerHub for volunteer scheduling, and Double the Donation for employer matching-gift processing. Revenue mechanics are diversified across individual donations, corporate and foundation grants, in-kind food donations from retailers and growers, and contracted CalFresh outreach services. Named funding and operational partners include Albertsons Vons Pavilions, Blue Shield, Toyota, SDG&E, the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, and other regional corporate and foundation supporters.

Name

San Diego Food Bank

Legal name

The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank

Website

https://sandiegofoodbank.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1977

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1977 that distributes 50+ million pounds of food annually to 400,000+ San Diegans monthly through 450+ nonprofit partners and 70+ distribution sites across San Diego County.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Hunger Relief & Food Bank Services

NAICS

Community Food Services (62421), Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services (6242), Community Food Services (624210)

akta.pro primary industry

Food Assistance & Food Banks (BPAGAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Food Assistance & Nutrition Relief (Emergency Feeding) (BPAGAAAD), School Feeding & Child Nutrition Programs (BPADAJAD), Food Waste Reduction & Diversion Services (Donation, Animal Feed, Source Reduction Programs) (EUAIAEAH), Nutrition & Food Security (Global Health) NGOs (HLAJAKAH)

Keywords

• Food bank services
• Hunger relief programs
• Emergency food assistance
• Nonprofit food distribution
• Community nutrition support

Headquarters

HQ city

San Diego

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Individual monetary donations from the public, including one-time gifts, monthly recurring donations through the Monthly Meals Club, and tribute/memorial gifts. Every $1 donated provides approximately 2 meals.
2. Corporate and Foundation Partnerships: Financial support from corporate partners, foundation grants, and workplace giving programs including matching gifts, stock donations, and donor advised fund contributions.
3. Food Donations: Donated food from grocery retailers, food manufacturers, distributors, restaurants, and individuals. Food industry donations are delivered directly to warehouses.
4. CalFresh Outreach Services: The Food Bank assists individuals with CalFresh (SNAP) applications, connecting eligible households to federal food assistance benefits that can be used at grocery stores.
5. Food Drive Revenue: Virtual food drives allow donors to contribute funds online that translate into bulk food purchases at greater efficiency than physical food drives.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

The San Diego Food Bank collects donated and purchased food and redistributes it free of charge to food-insecure individuals and families across San Diego County through direct distribution programs (EFAP, Senior Food Program, Neighborhood Distribution, Food 4 Kids Backpack, College Hunger-Relief, Client Choice Pantry) and a network of more than 450 nonprofit partner agencies. It also operates complementary programs including CalFresh application assistance, the Diaper Bank, Fresh Rescue food recovery, nutrition education, Food Bank University training, and the Military Initiative.

Product overview

The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank operates as a large-scale hunger-relief organization offering a comprehensive suite of food assistance and support programs. The portfolio centers on food distribution programs including the Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) serving over 90,000 monthly participants, the Senior Food Program for those 60+, the Neighborhood Distribution Program with drive-thru/walk-up options, the Food 4 Kids Backpack Program serving 3,700 students weekly, and the College Hunger-Relief Program supporting university food pantries. Complementary programs include CalFresh application assistance, Nutrition and Wellness education, the Diaper Bank, Fresh Rescue food recovery, and Food Bank University training for nonprofit partners. Fundraising initiatives include traditional and virtual food drives, the Summer Food Drive campaign, Monthly Meals Club recurring donations, and a GPS Food Locator Map for finding distribution sites. The North County Client Choice Pantry in Vista provides a grocery-store-style shopping experience. The organization serves over 400,000 people monthly through a network of more than 450 nonprofit partners.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP/TEFAP) A federal USDA program administered by the Food Bank that distributes monthly food packages to over 90,000 low-income individuals at 70 distribution sites across San Diego County. Participants self-certify income eligibility and receive canned foods, dry grains, proteins, and nutritious items once monthly.
• Senior Food Program A federal program providing monthly supplemental 40-pound food boxes to income-eligible seniors aged 60 and older, distributed at over 70 sites throughout San Diego County. Boxes contain reduced-fat milk, canned meats, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, cheese, rice, pasta, fruit juice, and cereal.
• CalFresh Outreach Program Assists San Diego County residents with applications for California's CalFresh benefits (formerly Food Stamps). The program helps income-eligible individuals and families apply from start to finish, with households receiving an average of $200/month in food benefits via EBT cards.
• Neighborhood Distribution Program Distributes food to thousands of individuals and families monthly at over 30 sites throughout San Diego County. Distributions offer drive-thru and walk-up service with a focus on fresh fruits and vegetables as part of the Food Bank's Nutrition Initiative.
• Food 4 Kids Backpack Program Provides weekend food packages discreetly tucked into elementary school students' backpacks every Friday. Packages contain kid-friendly food items including breakfast items, entrees, snacks, juice, dairy, and monthly family staples. Currently serves 3,700 students weekly at 99 schools across 19 districts.
• College Hunger-Relief Program Partners with universities and colleges to enhance existing food pantries and establish new ones for low-income students. Provides consistent food supply including protein-rich foods and fresh produce, along with capacity-building support, refrigeration units, shelving, and Food Bank University training.
• North County Client Choice Pantry An onsite client-choice food pantry in Vista, CA resembling a neighborhood grocery store. Offers fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, baked goods, nonperishable items, and infant diapers. Clients shop by appointment using an intake form and receive a Food Bank ID card after 14 days.
• Nutrition and Wellness Program A comprehensive nutrition initiative including a Nutrition Policy guiding food procurement and distribution, the Choosing Healthy Options Program (CHOP) for inventory ranking, Farm to Family produce recovery, nutrition education classes, recipe cards, virtual grocery store tours, and The Nutrition Pantry Program (NPP) framework.
• Diaper Bank Program Distributes diapers to families in need through a network of over 450 nonprofit partners and food distribution sites. Addresses a barrier to employment since childcare providers require disposable diapers and CalFresh/WIC cannot purchase them. A healthy child requires approximately 2,600 diaper changes yearly.
• Period Supply Program Provided menstrual products to individuals in need, distributing over 15,000,000 period supply products since 2021. The program was discontinued in its original form effective July 1, 2025 to focus on college and university students, with exploration of a reimagined school-based model underway.
• Fresh Rescue Program A food recovery program that reduces food insecurity and food waste by recovering wholesome surplus food from grocery stores, distributors, caterers, cafeterias, and restaurants for distribution to families in need. Ensures compliance with California SB 1383 organic waste recycling requirements.
• Food to Nonprofits Program Supplies food to over 450 nonprofit partner agencies including food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters, low-income daycares, senior centers, and rehabilitation programs. Partners access product from Food Centers in Miramar and Vista by appointment.
• Community Resource Connection Connects local organizations providing vital services (housing, employment, health, legal) directly to neighbors at Food Bank distribution sites. Partner organizations are matched with 1-3 distribution sites and conduct outreach with a required initial six-month commitment.
• Food Bank University Provides education and training programs for nonprofit partners covering fundamentals of food banking, fundraising, nutrition, food safety, nonprofit management and finance, communications, and volunteer management. All courses taught by professionals with subject matter expertise.
• Military Initiative to Combat Hunger Provides nutritious food to military and veteran families through partnerships with 13 military support agencies including Armed Services YMCA and USO Council of San Diego. Serves approximately 40,000 active-duty and veteran family members monthly, with connections to CalFresh and Diaper Bank services.
• Virtual Food Drive Online fundraising platform enabling donors to contribute money translated into food purchases. Offers peer-to-peer fundraising and online store options where donors select and purchase food items. Every $1 donated provides two meals.
• Food Drives Organized food collection efforts including in-person food drives with red donation barrels (holding up to 200 lbs), virtual food drives for online fundraising, and seasonal campaigns like the Summer Food Drive and Independence from Hunger campaign.
• Summer Food Drive 16th annual summer food drive campaign (June 3-July 28) addressing increased hunger when school meals are unavailable. Features red barrel drop-offs at Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions locations, online donations, and virtual food drives.
• GPS Food Locator Map Interactive online map tool enabling users to find food distribution sites by entering zip code, selecting days, and narrowing search by travel distance. Includes Food Bank ID Card registration capability and special Senior Food Program site filtering.
• Monthly Meals Club Recurring donation program providing automatic monthly contributions. A $20 monthly gift provides one healthy meal daily for a year; $50 monthly provides three meals daily year-round.

Quantifiable outcome

• 400,000+ San Diegans receive food assistance each month
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles9 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Armed Services YMCAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKey military support agency partner in the Military Initiative to Combat Hunger. The Armed Services YMCA receives food from the Food Bank to distribute to active-duty military personnel and their families at locations including Camp Pendleton.
• Support the Enlisted Project (STEP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMilitary support organization partnering with the Food Bank to provide food assistance to enlisted military personnel and their families facing financial hardship.
• USO Council of San DiegocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMilitary support organization providing services to military members and their families, partnering with the Food Bank to address food insecurity among service members.
• Us for Warriors FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVeteran support foundation partnering with the Food Bank to provide food assistance to veterans in need.
• Wounded Warrior HomescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization supporting wounded veterans, partnering with the Food Bank to ensure warriors have access to nutritious food during recovery.
• Murphy Canyon Military Bread MinistrysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerFaith-based military support ministry distributing food to military families in the Murphy Canyon area of San Diego.
• Military Outreach MinistrysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMilitary family support ministry partnering to distribute food assistance to service members.
• Albertsons Vons PavilionscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor grocery retail partner supporting the Food Bank through food donations, Summer Food Drive drop-off locations, and corporate sponsorship of food programs.
• Blue Shield of California Promise Health PlancoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHealth plan organization supporting the Food Bank as a community partner, providing resources for health-related food assistance programs.
• ToyotacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting Food Bank operations and food distribution programs.
• SDG&E (Sempra)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerUtility company partner supporting Summer Food Drive and other community hunger-relief initiatives.
• PNC BanksupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerFinancial services partner supporting Food Bank through corporate giving and Summer Food Drive sponsorship.
• Delta DentalsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerDental insurance provider supporting the Food Bank as a community partner.
• Mission Federal Credit UnionsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal credit union supporting the Food Bank as a community development partner.
• Neurocrine BiosciencessupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSan Diego-based biotech company supporting Food Bank as a corporate community partner.
• Hyundai TransleadsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting Food Bank community programs.
• Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay NationsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerNative American tribal organization sponsoring the 16th Annual Summer Food Drive.
• Farm to Family Program (California Association of Food Banks)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStatewide program connecting California growers and packers with food banks to deliver fresh produce. Through this program, the Food Bank distributed over 20 million pounds of fresh produce this year.
• Grocery Stores and Food Retailers (Fresh Rescue Program)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGrocery stores, distributors, caterers, and restaurants donate surplus edible food to the Food Bank for redistribution through the Fresh Rescue food recovery program, compliant with SB 1383.
• Alliance for Period SuppliessupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational organization working to end period poverty, of which the Food Bank is an official member. The alliance supports the Food Bank's Period Supply Program.
• National Diaper Bank NetworksupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational network of diaper banks working to meet basic needs of children and families. The Food Bank is an official member and receives support for the Diaper Bank Program.
• Leah's Pantry (Nutrition Pantry Program)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization providing the NPP framework to help food pantries become more client-centered, trauma-informed, and health-focused through training and certification.
• Greater Pittsburgh Community Food BanksupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization that originally developed the Choosing Healthy Options Program (CHOP) inventory ranking system, which the San Diego Food Bank adopted.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: Major Southern California food bank operating in Los Angeles County. Directly comparable in mission, distribution model (partner agency network), and program portfolio (TEFAP, senior food, backpack programs), but at significantly larger scale.
• Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County: Regional food bank serving Orange County, California with comparable partner agency and direct distribution programs. Closest geographic and demographic peer in Southern California.
• Feeding San Diego: Independent Feeding America-affiliated food bank operating within San Diego County. Directly competes with San Diego Food Bank for donor dollars, food industry supply, and beneficiary reach in the same service area.
• San Francisco-Marin Food Bank: Large California food bank with similar portfolio of pantries, CalFresh outreach, and partner agency programs. Comparable operating model in a high-cost-of-living urban county.
• Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano: Northern California food bank with comparable CalFresh outreach, senior food, and partner agency programs. Operates similar distribution network at smaller scale.
• Houston Food Bank: One of the largest food banks in the U.S., providing peer benchmarking for distribution scale, fresh produce recovery, and partner network operations. Comparable program architecture at much larger scale.
• Greater Chicago Food Depository: Major metropolitan food bank serving Cook County with comparable partner agency model and program offerings including Food 4 Kids-equivalent school programs.
• North Texas Food Bank: Texas food bank operating a partner distribution network with comparable scale and program portfolio (senior food, backpack, CalFresh/SNAP outreach).
• Capital Area Food Bank (Washington D.C.): Mid-Atlantic food bank operating a comparable partner distribution network with shared focus on nutrition quality, partner capacity-building, and CalFresh/SNAP outreach.

Broad incumbents

• Feeding America: National network organization of 200+ food banks including many peers listed above. Relevant because San Diego Food Bank is not directly affiliated, but operates alongside Feeding America affiliates and competes for national corporate partnerships.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/SDFoodBank
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCq9x9fxuYpcK2fDM61ap-Fw
• Facebookfacebook.com/SDFoodBank
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/san-diego-food-bank
• Instagraminstagram.com/sdfoodbank
• TikToktiktok.com/@sdfoodbank

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about San Diego Food Bank