New School Pantry Launches in Chula Vista to Combat Food Insecurity

Community support at the new pantry launch event in Chula Vista.

News Summary

In Chula Vista, FOCUS has launched a new school pantry at Harborside Elementary in partnership with Feeding San Diego. This pantry aims to assist approximately 100 families facing food insecurity by providing essential food items bi-monthly. Operating every first and third Friday, this initiative addresses the urgent need for food resources, especially amid rising living costs. Key community figures supported this launch, highlighting the importance of collaboration in tackling food scarcity. The pantry also promotes community engagement and continues to support families during school breaks, contributing to the overall well-being of the community.

Chula Vista – FOCUS, a nonprofit organization based in Coronado, has launched a new school pantry in partnership with Feeding San Diego and Harborside Elementary School. The pantry aims to assist families facing food insecurity and officially opened during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 2, 2025.

The pantry will provide essential food items to approximately 100 families in need, distributing 24 pounds of fresh produce and staple foods bi-monthly. Families can access these resources every first and third Friday of the month. The initiative was spearheaded by Carla Bacon, the vice president of projects at FOCUS, after she identified Harborside Elementary as a suitable candidate for Feeding San Diego’s School Pantry program.

Key figures in the establishment of the pantry include Harborside Elementary Principal Luis Aparicio and community coordinator Elsa Hernandez, who played crucial roles in discussions surrounding the program. Feeding San Diego had already identified the school as a potential participant due to the high percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals—approximately 80% at Harborside Elementary.

The pantry is designed to combat food insecurity, a pressing issue that has intensified due to the rising cost of living in the region. The program not only provides food for students during the weekends when they are not in school but also promotes community engagement. There has been a significant increase in participation in Harborside’s Parent Teacher Club, growing from just one volunteer to over 30 in support of pantry efforts.

Feeding San Diego plays a pivotal role in the pantry’s operation by collecting and sorting food donations from local stores and farms. These donations include a diverse range of items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, peanut butter, and pasta. The new pantry is the 62nd initiative to be launched under the Feeding San Diego School Pantry program.

While the pantry will not operate during summer break, Feeding San Diego has assured continued grocery distribution at other schools and community locations throughout the break. This strategy ensures that families continue to receive necessary food resources despite school closures.

Supporting efforts to alleviate food insecurity, FOCUS is also organizing its annual Speakeasy FOCUS Gala event, scheduled for August 2. Proceeds from the gala will directly benefit children in need, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to addressing food scarcity and improving the wellbeing of local families.

This initiative is an important step in creating a network of support for families at Harborside Elementary, showcasing how local organizations can collaborate to effectively tackle the ongoing challenges of food insecurity in the community.