The Imperial Beach Food Pantry, officially known as the Imperial Beach Neighborhood Center Food Pantry, is a community-based nonprofit food assistance program that provides free groceries and nutritional support to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity in Imperial Beach, California.
Imperial Beach Neighborhood Center Food Pantry
Location: 455 Palm Avenue, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Phone: (619) 947-6057
Reported hours: Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–noon. Call to confirm current hours.
Current food pantry location:
180 Carnation Avenue
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.–noon.
The monthly drive-through food distribution takes place at 1515 Elder Avenue, San Diego, on the third Thursday of each month, 9–10:30 a.m.
Telephone: (619) 373-2283
The pantry serves low-income families, senior citizens on fixed incomes, unemployed individuals, people experiencing homelessness, and others struggling to afford groceries.
What does the food pantry do?
- Weekly food distribution: Provides free groceries, including fresh produce and other nutritious foods.
- Monthly food distribution: Partners with the San Diego Food Bank to distribute emergency food assistance.
- Homeless assistance: Offers meals and other support to people experiencing homelessness.
- Nutrition education: Encourages healthy eating and provides information about nutritious food choices.
- Community garden: Supports growing fresh vegetables for local residents.
The pantry works with organizations including Feeding San Diego and the San Diego Food Bank.
Coronado Rotary’s involvement
The Rotary Club of Coronado has supported the Imperial Beach Food Bank through its annual Christmas in October food drive.
In October 2025, Rotary coordinated donations of thousands of dollars in food and financial contributions from Coronado residents, businesses, churches, and community organizations.
The food pantry helps hundreds of people each week, according to reporting published in November 2025.
History, Leadership, Funding, and Coronado Rotary’s Involvement
The ** Imperial Beach Neighborhood Center (IBNC)** is a nonprofit organization that provides free food and essential services to low-income families, seniors, military families, and people experiencing homelessness in Imperial Beach and surrounding South Bay communities.
The organization has an established partnership with the Rotary Club of Coronado.
History
The Imperial Beach Neighborhood Center grew out of community outreach programs operated by the Imperial Beach United Methodist Church, established in 1948.
When the church closed in 2018, former pastor John Griffin-Atil founded the nonprofit Imperial Beach Neighborhood Center to continue serving the community.
The center has expanded its mission beyond food distribution to include services addressing homelessness, nutrition, and community well-being.
The center is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Its federal tax identification number is 83-3282329.
Funding comes primarily from individual donations, supplemented by grants and contributions from community organizations.
For example, San Diego County awarded the organization $14,718 in fiscal year 2022–2023 to support food pantry staffing.
The center also partners with Feeding San Diego and the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank.
Coronado Rotary’s Involvement
Coronado Rotary has supported the pantry through food donations, volunteer involvement, and community fundraising.
Its major annual initiative is Christmas in October.
2024: Coronado Rotary organized the first Christmas in October campaign, encouraging community organizations to collect food for Imperial Beach residents.
2025: The second annual campaign generated thousands of dollars in donated food and financial contributions. Nearly 20 Coronado organizations participated.
2026: Coronado Rotary launched its third annual Christmas in October campaign on October 7. The collection effort is scheduled to culminate in a food delivery on October 26, 2026.
Past Rotary President Pat Starke has played a leading role in organizing the campaign and recruiting participating organizations.
The program demonstrates how Coronado’s service organizations can work together to address food insecurity in neighboring Imperial Beach.
A Major New Development: New Facilities
The Imperial Beach Neighborhood Center is undergoing a significant redevelopment project.
The planned development includes:
- A new neighborhood center.
- Expanded community services.
- Food distribution facilities.
- Space for wellness programs and community activities.
- An adjacent 50-unit affordable housing development for low-income seniors, including veterans and formerly homeless residents.
The organization anticipates opening its new center in January 2028.
Important: The Food Pantry Has Moved
Because of construction, the pantry is operating at a temporary location.
Current food pantry location:
180 Carnation Avenue
Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.–noon.
The monthly drive-through food distribution takes place at 1515 Elder Avenue, San Diego, on the third Thursday of each month, 9–10:30 a.m.
Telephone: (619) 373-2283
The organization asks visitors not to enter through the YMCA Camp Surf gate.
The Pantry’s Impact
The center helps hundreds of people experiencing food insecurity.
Its beneficiaries include families with limited incomes, elderly residents, military families, and individuals facing financial emergencies.
An additional partnership with Coronado’s Emerald Keepers has delivered more than 4,000 pounds of fresh produce since 2023, helping supplement the pantry’s shelf-stable groceries with nutritious fruits and vegetables.
An Opportunity for Coronado Rotary
The Imperial Beach Neighborhood Center offers Coronado Rotary an opportunity to make a measurable difference in the lives of nearby residents.
Beyond its annual Christmas in October campaign, Rotary could explore year-round food donations, volunteer support, and assistance with the new facility.