Vision
To efficiently distribute food while recognizing the dignity of each person asking for assistance.
To utilize donated items in a manner that ensures clients are receiving the freshest items possible.
To assist clients to find resources needed and to advocate for those clients.
Statement of Purpose
To support families and individuals striving for personal and economic self reliance.
To encourage the identification and leveraging of resources.
To engage families, individuals and the community in partnerships that promote action on behalf of the poor.
About
San Diego County
120,360 children in San Diego County do not know where their next meal comes from (16.5% of child population; 1 in 6 children). Feeding San Diego Map the Meal Gap Aug 13, 2019
More than half (55%) of low-income adults experiencing food insecurity are employed. – San Diego County 2016 Food Insecurity Rates (California Health Interview Survey 2014-2016)
San Diego is home to the 7th largest number of children facing hunger in the US, with 127,280 children in San Diego County being food insecure. – San Diego County 2016 Food Insecurity Rates (California Health Interview Survey 2014-2016)
67% of children at risk of hunger in San Diego County are eligible for federal nutrition programs (free or reduced-price school lunch or breakfast). – Feeding America Map the Meal Gap
The average cost of a meal in San Diego County is $3.23, higher than the national average of $3.02. Feeding San Diego Map the Meal Gap Aug 13, 2019
The estimated annual meal gap for Feeding San Diego’s service area is 61,524,500 meals. Feeding San Diego Map the Meal Gap Aug 13, 2019
FRC – Food Resource Centers San Diego
Catholic Charities San Diego Area Food Resource Centers provided 17,713 instances of food assistance last fiscal year (2017-2018).
A total of 2,328 unduplicated households, representing 6,631 unduplicated individuals were assisted at the College Area and Vista Centers. Because hunger is a chronic need many households were served repeatedly throughout the year.
Catholic Charities provided 15,385 duplicated households with emergency food assistance representing 43,326 duplicated individuals.
FRC – Since 1984 – Imperial County
The Imperial County FRC was established in 1984 to respond to the food needs of the poor in El Centro. The program has steadily expanded over the years during times of recession, drought and high unemployment. In fiscal year 2017-2018 the Imperial County FRC served 905 unduplicated families representing 2,493 individuals and 4,577 duplicated families representing 12,608 duplicated individuals.
Programs / Locations
Food Resource Center – El Centro
Food assistance program for those in need
Program Capacity: 80 Households per day
Monthly average 483 HH’s served per month
Representing 1,334 individuals monthly
Services
Food assistance
USDA commodities
Hygiene items
CalFresh application assistance
Resource Specialist on site
Food Resource Center – Vista
Food assistance program for those in need
Program Capacity: 80 Households per day
Monthly average 852 HH’s served per month
Representing 2,623 individuals per month
Collects over 14,000 lbs of “rescued” food each month from local grocery stores (WalMart, Food 4 Less and Frazier Farms)
Services
Food assistance
CalFresh application assistance
USDA commodities
Hygiene items
Resource Specialist on site
Clothing vouchers
Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP)
The EFAP program distributes USDA food each month. Eligible participants who do not exceed low income guidelines may be eligible to receive EFAP once a month.
Food items vary from month to month. A typical EFAP bag will include: canned vegetables, canned soups, canned fruit juice, canned fruits, canned meats, spaghetti, rice, beans and frozen food items.
*Helpful tips – bring your own bags or cart.
Wesley Community Services Center
5380 El Cajon Blvd SD 92115 (619) 354-8094
Served from 10AM – 12PM on the Wednesday before the 1st Friday of each month
Salvation Army Centre City
825 7th Ave. SD 92101
Served from 9AM – 11AM on the 3rd Friday of each month
SNAP-Ed – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education
SNAP-Ed is an USDA Food and Nutrition Service program that helps people lead healthier lives. SNAP-Ed teaches people using or eligible for SNAP about good nutrition and how to make their food dollars stretch further. SNAP-Ed participants also learn to be physically active.

Need extra cash for groceries?
Get extra money for groceries each month through CalFresh! Click here to apply online or call 619.323.2841 option 2 to request a callback or make an appointment. We can help!

How To Contact
FRC – El Centro
250 West Orange Avenue, El Centro, CA 92243
760 353-6823
FRC – Vista
917 East Vista Way, Vista, CA 92084
760 631-4792