The San Diego Food Bank said Dec. 15 it has struck a deal to acquire an 82,000-square-foot warehouse in the Miramar area for $625,000, marking an important step in separating itself from Neighborhood House Association, a local nonprofit that delivers a variety of social services.
The local food bank came under major scrutiny about two years ago following revelations that some of its food was being sold at swap meets and other shops, prompting the resignations of most of its board, and cancellation of its partnership with the main provider of its food, America’s Second Harvest.
In 2006, the organization established a new board headed by Mitch Mitchell, an executive with San Diego Gas & Electric.
“This agreement allows us to move forward and even look at new ways to enhance and expand our service operation,” Mitchell said.
The food bank credited Price Charities, the nonprofit organization established by retired retail executive Sol Price, and the San Diego Foundation in helping to negotiate the warehouse sale.
Founded in 1977, the food bank distributes more than 10 million pounds of food annually to families and a network of some 300 nonprofit organizations throughout the county.
, Mike Allen
