The San Diego Food Bank is expanding a program that aims to get rid of long lines for food assistance.
The program uses a personalized ID card that allows people to sign up for appointments ahead of time.
“Instead of waiting for an hour or two hours in line for food, they’re basically coming in and going out with their food,” said San Diego Food Bank CEO James Floros. “It allows them to go off to school, their work or what have you, but they’re still providing nutritious food to their family.”
When the food bank signs someone up for the card, it helps the organization learn how to better serve people.
“We gather this information about our service recipients. What their background is, where they come from and what their needs are because you really can’t create regional strategies unless you know who your service population is,” Floros said.
The food bank said the modernization is all part of its goal to better help people in need. In San Diego, 86 food banks are currently using the card system with another 50 expected to join later this year. The expansion was made possible with a $375,000 grant from United Health Care.
