On Wednesday evening, July 12, 2023, four North County chambers, Vista, Oceanside, San Marcos and Carlsbad and over 200 people gathered together at the San Diego’s Food Bank to support the efforts of the Jacobs and Cushman branch of San Diego’s Food Bank. The purpose of the evening was to raise funds and recognize the efforts of the food bank and those who support it. Last year at this location, the food bank distributed 44 million pounds of food, serving on average 400,000 people per month in San Diego County.
Prior to COVID, the bank was feeding 350,000 people a month through their 550 non-profit partners, who take what the food bank distributes and is able to feed those in need hands on. In April of 2020, the numbers skyrocketed to 600,000 people a month, meaning those left unpaid, or unemployed were able to feed their families in a time of need thanks to the bank.
The evening’s MC was Dave Baldwin, Chairman of the Board of the Vista Chamber. Speakers included Casey Castillo, CEO of the food bank and Dr. Gene Ma, CEO of the Tri-City Medical Center. Special recognition was given to Julie Lowen, founder and CEO of Children’s Paradise Preschool and Infant Center.
Vanessa Ruiz, the Vice President of Operations at the North County chapter was able to give the Daily Star more details on how the bank has overachieved in recent times. Under her leadership, the food bank has expanded services, increased nonprofit partners and is distributing 620% more food than when she was hired in 2003.
Beginning in August, 120,000 backpacks will be packed by volunteers with food for elementary school students. Being able to aid families in certain times of need, also comes with the promise of essential supplies–the North County food bank branch is one of eight in the state of California that provides diaper products; 7.5 million diapers were distributed. It is also one of two in the state that provides free menstrual products.
The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank and its North County Food Bank chapter make up the largest hunger-relief organization in San Diego County. Like CalFresh, WIC, and the support of Food Stamps, the food bank’s mission has been to end hunger in San Diego, provide nutritious food to people in need, and educate communities about hunger related issues.
First speaker and Chief Executive Officer of the food bank, Casey Castillo, has many achievements in his fourteen years with the Food Bank. Stewarding the Food Bank’s annual budget, overseeing major multi-million dollar infrastructure improvements to the Food Bank’s facilities, and supporting major fundraising campaigns are just a few.
Next speaker, recently appointed CEO Dr. Gene Ma of the Tri-City Medical Center, sponsor of the event, and friend of the San Diego Food Bank discussed his support of multiple programs within the bank and recognized continuous work and helping local families with access to receive nutritious food during difficult seasons. He also recognized Julie Lowen at this event, who was granted the 2023 North County Community Service Award. She is the founder and CEO of Children’s Paradise Preschool and Infant Center. Unanimously selected by the chambers, Lowen is a pioneer and leader in the field of early childhood education in San Diego county–Julie’s visionary approach to early education has helped thousands of families of all socio-economic statuses, and has used the programs made possible by the food bank to provide support to the children of North County. This past year Julie directed the “Smarty Patch foundation” in giving over $600,000 in scholarships and other support to families in need. COO, Lona Seitz accepted and spoke in Julie’s behalf.
Affairs such as these are what keeps communities tight and able to make change. With a large sum of the distributed food being fresh produce, the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank has continued to outperform themselves when it comes to the quality and quantity of support that is provided to those in need. To support, check out their website for upcoming events like Sweetgreens opening on July 25th, where for every meal sold on opening day a meal will be donated to the San Diego Food Bank to nourish families experiencing food insecurity. https://sandiegofoodbank.org/food-drives/event-calendar/
