Walden Family Services Opened Wellness Pantry in San Diego
The new facility provides food, hygiene items, and pet supplies to transition-age foster youth in Kearny Mesa.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Healthy Food
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Walden Family Services has launched the Walden Wellness Pantry at 8525 Gibbs Drive to support foster youth navigating the transition into adulthood. The 300-square-foot space offers essential supplies to individuals between the ages of 18 and 26.
Why it matters
The pantry addresses critical gaps in access to food and basic necessities for foster youth who may struggle with housing or financial stability. By providing these resources, the program helps participants maintain their well-being during a pivotal life stage.
The new pantry in Kearny Mesa occupies 300 square feet and is dedicated to serving foster youth between the ages of 18 and 26. The facility sources its food supply from the Jacobs and Cushman Food Bank.
The players
Walden Family Services
This organization operates programs to support foster youth in San Diego.
Jacobs and Cushman Food Bank
This regional entity provides food resources to support local community programs.
Hayley Bergam
She serves as a member of the board of directors for Walden Family Services.
The details
The pantry was established through coordination between the organization's CEO and a former foster youth client. While the Jacobs and Cushman Food Bank stocks the food, Walden Family Services funds the hygiene products and pet supplies available to visitors.
Timeline
September 28, 2026: The Walden Wellness Pantry celebrated its grand opening.
Culture Shift
This project reflects a broader societal move toward providing targeted, localized support for young adults aging out of institutional care. It follows a pattern set by established initiatives like the Foster Youth Transition Act support programs to close gaps in youth stability.
Local foster youth aged 18 to 26 can now access consistent supplies of food and hygiene items at the Kearny Mesa location. This provides a reliable resource to help alleviate daily financial burdens during their transition to independent living.
The takeaway
Reliable access to basic necessities is a key factor in long-term success for young adults navigating independence. Ensuring that resources include items like pet supplies and hygiene products acknowledges the holistic needs of these vulnerable community members.
Further reading
For more on community resources, visit the Healthy Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSWB 5/69.
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Do you think your local community provides enough support for foster youth transitioning to adulthood?
