Chula Vista Opens First City-Run Food Pantry

Partnership with Catholic Charities brings new resource to address food insecurity in South Bay community.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Chula Vista city officials have partnered with Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego to open the first city-operated food pantry in the South Bay region. The new pantry, located at the Civic Center Chula Vista Public Library, will provide essential food items to help address food insecurity in the community.

Why it matters

The opening of this city-run food pantry is a significant step in addressing the growing issue of food insecurity in Chula Vista and the surrounding South Bay area. Previous food distribution events hosted by the city and Feeding San Diego saw overwhelming demand, indicating a clear need for a permanent, reliable source of food assistance in the community.

The details

The food pantry will officially open on March 4 and operate on Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 7 p.m. Residents can register online or by phone to access the pantry's services. The partnership between the city and Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego will allow the pantry to meet people where they are and provide a trusted, welcoming space for those in need.

  • The food pantry will officially open on March 4, 2026.
  • In the summer of 2023, the city and Feeding San Diego ran three food distribution events that saw high demand.

The players

John McCann

Mayor of Chula Vista.

Appaswamy "Vino" Pajanor

CEO of Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego.

Alyson Hamlin

Senior Civic Center librarian in Chula Vista.

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What they’re saying

“This pantry allows us to meet people where they already are and connect them with a reliable source of support in a welcoming, trusted space.”

— Alyson Hamlin, Senior Civic Center librarian (timesofsandiego.com)

“By operating our Emergency Food Distribution Network Plus program in a trusted community space like the library, we are meeting people where they are and ensuring that no family in our community has to face hunger alone.”

— Appaswamy "Vino" Pajanor, CEO of Catholic Charities Diocese of San Diego (timesofsandiego.com)

What’s next

The food pantry will officially open on March 4, 2026 and operate on Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 7 p.m.

The takeaway

The opening of Chula Vista's first city-run food pantry, in partnership with Catholic Charities, represents a significant step in addressing food insecurity in the South Bay community. By providing a reliable and trusted source of food assistance, the pantry aims to support families, seniors, and others in need, reinforcing the city's commitment to ensuring the well-being of all its residents.