Press Release

SAN DIEGO, CA (June 25, 2026) -- Today, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a food security component of the Safety Net Bridge Program, an initiative created by Supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe in response to H.R. 1 and the threat it poses to more than 93,000 San Diegans who could lose food assistance.

The Board action authorizes up to $1 million in one-time funding for food distribution activities, staffing, outreach, service coordination and additional support strategies designed to address service gaps, including home delivery and partnerships with trusted community organizations.

The action will help communities hit hardest by H.R. 1 by bringing food assistance and supportive services directly to families at risk of losing critical benefits.

“President Trump and Republicans in Congress called H.R. 1 the ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ but there is nothing beautiful about taking food away from people who are barely getting by,” said Montgomery Steppe. “The Safety Net Bridge Program is our response. We cannot change the decisions made in Washington, but we can do everything in our power to keep families fed, healthy and housed.”

Working alongside Feeding San Diego and the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank, the County will bring food directly into communities expected to be most affected by the federal changes. The program will initially focus on 16 zip codes identified through County data that face some of the highest risk of food assistance loss under H.R. 1.

"Feeding San Diego has seen a dramatic increase in food insecurity across the county – in both urban settings and rural communities – placing unplanned stress across the hunger relief sector" said Robert Kamensky, CEO of Feeding San Diego. "These impacts are being offset through combined efforts by local government response, corporate giving, nonprofit organizations action and major philanthropic foundations funding. 

"The infusion of county funds, by way of the Safety Net Bridge Program, will enhance our ability to reach a broader scope of communities through food distributions at County libraries, recreational facilities and other community-center locations.”

The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank agreed.

"CalFresh, for many households, bridges the gap between basic necessities and income," said Brigitte Wesselink, vice president of operations and programs for the San Diego Food Bank. "It helps them meet that gap. When those benefits are reduced, delayed, or lost, families often have nowhere else to turn. What gives me hope today is that this effort reflects what San Diego does best. We work together.”

Wesselink said Montgomery Steppe’s program is a great example of that work.

"The Safety Net Bridge Program is more than a response to changing eligibility requirements. It is a commitment, ensuring that anyone facing uncertainty can access nutritious food, supportive services, and the help they need."

Today’s action moves the food security component of the Safety Net Bridge Program from planning to implementation.

Beyond the threat to food assistance, County officials said H.R. 1 imposes new requirements that make it more difficult for thousands of San Diegans to maintain access to critical benefits.

Montgomery Steppe developed the Safety Net Bridge Program to help mitigate those impacts through targeted food assistance, benefits navigation and connections to supportive services.

County officials will continue monitoring data and community needs to ensure resources are reaching the people most affected and to adjust deployment strategies as conditions change.

Food distribution events will be held at County facilities throughout the region, including Family Resource Centers, libraries and community centers. In addition to food assistance, participants will be able to connect with County staff who can help them maintain benefits eligibility, access supportive services, and identify additional resources available to their families.

Earlier this month, the County launched the WorkReady Hub to help people navigate new federal requirements and maintain access to critical benefits.

Families across the County are also receiving SUN Bucks, helping ensure children continue to have access to food during the summer months when school meals are unavailable.