Food banks and food pantries in California.
Low-income families in California can turn to a local food bank for free or low cost groceries, food boxes and even hot meals. Many of the pantries that may be near you that are listed below work with local charities, churches, and non-profits. A number of the distribution centers are also part of Feeding America. The various food banks in CA and pantries in your county are listed below, with links to more locations and phone numbers listed. Many centers also have free drive thru food pantries and giveaway pet food, including for dogs or cats, to low-income families or senior citizens. Locations will also normally be able to help people apply for other government programs such as USDA Summer meals or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. They also offer food stamps from CalFresh, Meals on Wheels and other benefit programs. Together these various emergency distribution centers, some that are open daily, will assist low income families and people with no money. A major focus is on children, immigrants, single mothers in CA and the elderly. While what is given out by each food bank will vary, many provide fresh produce, dairy products, baby formula in addition to shelf stable groceries. There are also fresh fruits and vegetables through the Farm to Family program. Each year free food, meals, and hygiene supplies are distributed to millions of people across California. In addition to the food banks listed below, you can get help from other California non-profits or government food programs . There is also a referral number at the bottom of this page for additional locations . Also learn how people of all incomes can receive food at as much as 50% off from organizations such as discounted food box programs, coupons, websites and other sources of cheap groceries .
Free food banks and free groceries in your local CA county
Find information on more food banks as well as free food pantries that operate in your local town, city, and county. Find the phone numbers as well as addresses of those pantries and programs that are more specific to your California location by city and county . Or get a more extensive list below. Or even find free pet food pantries in California .
Alameda County
Butte County
Contra Costa County
Fresno County
Humboldt County
Imperial County
Kern County
Los Angeles County
Marin County
Merced County
Napa County
Nevada County
Orange County
Placer County
Riverside County
Sacramento County
San Bernardino County
San Diego County
San Francisco County
San Joaquin County
San Luis Obispo County
San Mateo County
Santa Barbara County
Santa Clara County
Santa Cruz
Shasta and Tehama County
Solano County
Sonoma County
Stanislaus County
Tulare County
Ventura County
Oxnard CA
Yolo County
Regional free food bank distribution centers in California
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
covers a wide range, as noted below. There are various programs offered by the Feeding America locations. They include Kids’ Backpack program as well as Mobile Pantries. There are also hundreds of local partner food pantries, churches and charities that help the poor, unemployed, and hungry. A major focus is on feeding children and the elderly in the region who live in/or near poverty. The main address is 4010 Nelson Ave, Concord, CA 94520. Main phone number is 925.676.7543.
- second location of the Feeding America non-profit is in Concord, and that number is 925-676-7543. The address is 4010 Nelson Ave, Concord, CA 94520. Or try the food bank at 2370 N Watney Way, Fairfield, CA 94533. Phone number is 707-421-9777.
There are many counties supported by the Feeding America location. Find free good, applications to CalFresh food stamps, Meals on Wheels and more are offered in the counties of Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Napa, Plumas, Sacramento, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Yolo, and Yuba. Since the territory is so large, there are other resource and distribution centers too. they include: Community Action of Napa Valley Food Bank, 1766 Industrial Way, Napa, CA 94558. Dial 707.253.6128 Dignity Health Connected is another affiliate. The address is 200 Mercy Oaks Drive, Redding, CA 96003. Dial 530.226.3071 Yuba-Sutter Food Bank provides free groceries, CalFresh applications and workshops (among other programs). The location is 760 Stafford Way, Yuba City, CA 95991. For referrals, dial 530.673.3834 Yolo Food Bank is at 233 Harter Avenue, Woodland, CA 95776. Phone number is 530.668.0609 Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services address is 3333 Third Ave., Sacramento, CA 95817. Call 916.456.1980
Central California Food Bank
assists residents in the counties of Fresno, Madera, Kings, Kern and Tulare. Get Nutrition Education, Fresh Produce, referrals to emergency food pantries or soup kitchens and more. They also arrange shopping and cooking classes to help people live healthier. The location is 4010 E. Amendola Ave., Fresno, CA 93725. For intake, dial 559.237.3663 Community Action Partnership of Kern is another partner of Feeding America. It is at 5005 Business Park North, Bakersfield, CA 93309. For information on resources, call 661.398.4520
FIND Food Bank is the Feeding America
location for Riverside and San Bernardino County. Call for referrals to everything from Meals on Wheels to fresh food, canned groceries, and the Kids’ Backpack program. There is also Food Stamp Outreach, meals and food for immigrant or migrant workers and other items. The address is 83-775 Citrus Ave, Indio, CA 92202. Call 760.775.3663 If more convenient, another partner agency is Imperial Valley Food Bank, which is located at 486 W Aten Road, Imperial, CA 92251. Dial 760.370.0966. Or try Feeding America Riverside as well as San Bernardino Counties. Many similar services are offered, and the main address is 2950 - A Jefferson Street, Riverside, CA 92504. Call 951.359.4757
Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County
runs a wide variety of hunger prevention programs. Get groceries, holiday meals, referrals to pantries and apply for Health and Nutrition workshops. There is also Summer Feeding Program for kids and information/applications to surplus USDA commodities from 8014 Marine Way, Irvine, CA 92618. Call 949.653.2900.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
helps hundreds of thousands of LA county families per year. They work to end hunger with partner pantries, soup kitchens and feeding sites. Hundreds of volunteers work with the Feeding America location. Working with its partners, they try to feed people of all ages, races, genders, and ethnicities in the county. Learn about Commodity Supplemental Food Program or get help shopping to learn about Unit Pricing. Get meals for the unemployed, homeless, and working poor as well. For information on partners, the locations is 1734 E. 41st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90058. Call 323.234.3030. Second Harvest of the Greater Valley has many partner locations (see below). Whether referrals to a free food bank or pantry near you, or applications to Summer Food Service Program or CalFresh, short and long term help is offered. A major focus is also on feeing migrant farm workers. There is also a Pet Pantry, shelf-stable food, and snacks and food for children. They help students in low-income areas of the counties served to ensure they have nutritious meals during long school vacations. The non-profit supports Amador, Alpine, Calaveras, Mariposa, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne County. The main location is 1220 Vanderbilt Cir, Manteca, CA 95337. Call 209.239.2091. Or try the following. Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA) - 10059 Victoria Way, Jamestown, CA 95642. For intake, dial 209.984.3960 Merced County Food Bank serves tens of thousands per year, with churches and charities. The address is 2000 W Olive Ave, Merced, CA 95348. Dial 209.726.3663 The Resource Connection Food Bank address is 206 George Reed Drive, San Andreas, CA 95249. Phone - 209.754.3114 Interfaith Food Bank & Thrift Store Amador County has food as well as basic needs from 12181 Airport Road, Jackson, CA 95642. The number is 209.267.9006
Alameda County Community Food Bank
helps the low income in Oakland and the county. The main center is at 7900 Edgewater Drive, Oakland, CA 94621. Call 510.635.3663. The work with mobile pantries that may offer breads, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, and non-perishable foods. Or get free nutrition education, job programs such as culinary training and other benefits.
Food Share of Ventura County
works with hundreds of local partners to keep families in poverty, single moms, immigrants and others. For referrals or intake, the location is 4156 Southbank Road, Oxnard, CA 93036. Call 805.983.7100
Feeding San Diego
assists residents of Imperial and San Diego County. There is a Food and Resource Center, and Veterans Outreach & Distribution. They feed the low income, homeless, and poor in the region. Or get help applying to Social Services or Kids’ Backpack program, or learn about the USDA WIC program for low-income parents. The location is 9477 Waples Street, San Diego, CA 92121. Call 858.452.3663
SF-Marin Food Bank
is for both San Francisco and Marin County. Whether Mobile Farm Markets in the city, or soup kitchens for the homeless, volunteers and partners work to feed the community. The staff also help the low-income apply for public assistance. The systems help adults apply for assistance programs for education, health, housing, transportation, emergency services, Meals on Wheels, CalFresh and others. The location is 900 Pennsylvania Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94107. Call 415.282.1900.
Placer Food Bank
has a number of assistance programs. They include, but are not limited too, food assistance, cooking classes, details on healthy shopping, nutrition education, health management, and more. In addition, they have in their network dozens of local, emergency food pantries. The groups work to end Hunger in El Dorado, Nevada and Placer Counties. The address is 8284 Industrial Ave, Roseville, CA 95678. Phone 916.783.0481.
Foodbank of Santa Barbara County
as well as San Luis Obispo has a couple sites. Programs include a School Pantry, Culinary Training Program, Fresh Produce, Senior Box Program (CSFP) and many others. Tens of thousands of children in the region are food insecure, and the agency tries to help feed them, the families and others in need. The two locations are: 4554 Hollister Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93110. Call 805.967.5741 SLO Food Bank is another option at 1180 Kendall Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. Phone - 805.238.4664. Snacks for students and children, specialty meals for seniors, formula, and more may be served. The center can refer residents to emergency food assistance programs in the region as well. from the organization
Food Bank for Monterey County
is just for the county. But they have dozens/hundreds of local distribution sites. They also work with corporations, volunteers, and stores to help (1) collect food or money and (2) provide the items for free to struggling families, including migrant farm workers. The main site is at 815 W. Market Street, Salinas, CA 93901. Call 831.758.1523.
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
is at 750 Curtner Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125. Call 408.266.8866. With the cost of housing so high, many lower income residents struggle to buy yhr food and groceries they need. Feeding America, and their partners, work to help the struggling in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Call for information. Or learn more on information on Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo .
Redwood Empire Food Bank
not only gives away food (through it local partners) but they arrange for other services. There may be bi-monthly Healthy Cooking demonstrations as well as classes. Or apply to workshops on healthy, affordable shopping. Or get help in applying for California benefits such as CalFresh or cash aid. The main site is at 3990 Brickway Blvd, Santa Rosa, CA 95403. Call 707.523.7900. The network assists the counties of Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake, Mendocino, and Sonoma. To this end, other partner agencies include Mendocino Food & Nutrition Program (address is 910 N Franklin Street, Ft. Bragg, CA 95437, dial 707.964.9404) as well as Food For People at 307 West 14th Street, Eureka, CA 95501. Call 707.445.3166
Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County
location is 800 Ohlone Parkway, Watsonville, CA 95076. Dial 831.722.7110. Look for free food, groceries or meals in San Benito and Santa Cruz County. Get referrals to pre-packaged breakfast, lunch and dinner meals for children and families. Or learn about housing, free baby food, and the locations of mobile pantries. Another partner is Community Food Bank of San Benito County, 1133 San Felipe Road, Hollister, CA 95023. Call 831.637.0340.
Food Bank of Northern Nevada
is for both Inyo and Mono County. There are mobile pantries and some local partners that offer Meals on wheels for the homebound. Or get referrals to backpacks filled with nutritious food as well as snacks to children from low-income or working poor families, and the food helps keep them fed on the weekends. There are also food stamp (Cal Fresh) applications and other benefits. Address is 550 Italy Dr, Sparks, NV 89437. Call 775.331.3663.
Alameda County - Alameda County Community Food Bank
7900 Edgewater Dr, Oakland, CA 94621. Phone number - 510-635-3663 This non-profit works with churches and charities across Southern California. They provide those pantries with canned groceries, fresh fruits, rice, breads, and more. Those pantries they pass out the items to qualified clients.
Orange County - Community Action Partnership of Orange County
11870 Monarch St, Garden Grove, CA 92841. Call 714-897-6670 Administer several social services and can provide referrals and other support.
Amador County - Interfaith Council of Amador County
12181 Airport Rd, Jackson, CA 95642. Phone: (209) 267-9006 Call for food, or information on local resources and assistance programs. Works with local charities such as the Salvation Army or community action agencies in California. Free meals, groceries, and perishable items are offered by this center.
Riverside County - Second Harvest Food Bank
Location is 2950 Jefferson St B, Riverside, CA 92504. Telephone: 951-359-4757 Tens of thousands of Inland Empire California families receive help from this location every year. It distributes food, meats, canned goods, and government commodities. Also learn about holidays meals, and get information on public assistance like CalFresh.
Butte County - Community Action Agency of Butte County
2640 5th Ave #1, Oroville, CA 95965. Call (530) 712-2600 for hours. This center supports the low income and working poor. Ask about applications for food stamps, Cal-Fresh, or get referrals to soup kitchens and pantries. Senior citizens can inquire into regional Meals on Wheels programs too.
Calaveras County - Resource Connection
1113 CA-49, San Andreas, CA 95249. Phone number - 209-754-1257 San Benito County - The Community Food Bank of San Benito County 1133 San Felipe Rd, Hollister, CA 95023. Call 831-637-0340 Contra Costa County - Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Address of pantry - 4010 Nelson Ave, Concord, CA 94520. Call 925-676-7543 The non-profit food distribution center works with charities, churches, and pantries in the northern portion of the state. Call them for referrals and information on other local and regional resources. San Bernardino County - Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County 696 S Tippecanoe Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92408. Main phone number - 909-723-1500 Not only has information on food pantries, but may be able to coordinate financial assistance, housing, and other forms of aid for the needy.
San Diego County - San Diego Food Bank
9850 Distribution Ave, San Diego, CA 92121. Phone: 858-527-1419
El Dorado County - Food Bank of El Dorado County
4550 Business Dr, Cameron Park, CA 95682. Telephone - 530-621-9950
San Francisco County - San Francisco Food Bank
Address is 1050 Marin Street, San Francisco, CA 94107. Phone: (415) 282 1900 The very low income, homeless, and others from the region turn to the center for free meals, clothing, and more. However they will more than likely receive referrals and other support.
Fresno County - Community Food Bank
4010 E Amendola Dr, Fresno, CA 93725. Call 559-237-3663 Humboldt County - Food For People, Inc. 307 W 14th St, Eureka, CA 95501. Primary phone - 707-445-3166 Programs are focused on low income families, seniors, and disabled. Meals, groceries, and emergency food boxes may be offered.
Inyo and Mono County Advocates For Community Action
137 E South St, Bishop, CA 93514. Dial 760-873-8557 Works with local pantries. Breads, rice, frozen foods, hot meals, and emergency boxes of food may all be served to the needy and low income.
Kings County - Kings County Community Action Organization
Location is 1130 N 11th Ave, Hanford, CA 93230. Call 559-582-4386 Works with a number of local churches and non-profits. Programs are focused on immigrants and Hispanics too. Call the center for free food or vouchers. Can also refer people to other local social service agencies in California, or clothing closets. Lassen County and Modoc County - Lassen County Council on Aging 1700 Sunkist Dr, Susanville, CA 96130. Phone: (530) 257-4884 Individuals over the age of 55, and their spouses, can turn to the aging office. Several recreation programs and services are available as well. Or get information on medical care and other aid. Applications may be available for low income energy bill assistance and programs such as Medicare.
Los Angeles County - Food Bank of Southern California
Address: 1444 San Francisco Ave, Long Beach, CA 90813. Call the non-profit at 562-435-3577 Works with other pantries, charities, and churches in southern California. Hot meals, free boxes of food, and other support is provided. Some basic needs such as household goods could be met. The two LA County food banks above may serve more people than any other food bank in the nation. Call them for hours of food distribution, and get lists and phone numbers of local pantries.
Madera County - Madera County Food Bank
225 S Pine St Ste 101, Madera, CA 93637. Phone - 559-674-1482
- leading social service organization for the region. Free Christmas meals and gifts may be offered for children. Easter and Thanksgiving food baskets, a pantry, and more is available as well. Occasional funding or vouchers for bills or items like school supplies may be provided too.
Sutter and Yuba County Gleaners Food Bank, Inc. 760 Stafford Way, Yuba City, CA 95991. Phone - 530-673-3834 Emergency food boxes, formula, vegetables, rice, and other food supplies are passed out. Mendocino County - Mendocino Food and Nutrition Program, Inc. 910 N Franklin St, Fort Bragg, CA 95437. Main number is 707-964-9404
Tulare County - Foodlink for Tulare County
611 2nd St, Exeter, CA 93221. Call 559-651-3663 Hot meals, lunches, breakfast and more may be served. Or get a box of groceries. All supplies are limited and come with income and other restrictions. They will try not to turn anyone away. Tuolumne County - Amador/Tuolumne Community Action Agency, Inc. 10590 Highway 88, Jackson, CA 95642. Call 209-223-1485 As the name implies, focuses its resources on the elderly, homebound, and senior citizens in the region. Some programs include Meals on Wheels, healthy meals, congregate meals and more.
Napa County - Community Action of Napa Valley
2521 Old Sonoma Rd, Napa, CA 94558. Call 707-253-6100 Serves residents of northern California and the wine country.
Yolo County - Food Bank of Yolo County
233 Harter Ave, Woodland, CA 95776. Phone: 530-668-0690 Some of what may be served includes baby formula, household and basic needs such as diapers, free groceries, fruits, and perishable items. Donate or volunteer at the free pantry if you can.
Nevada County - Food Bank of Nevada County
310 Railroad Ave, Grass Valley, CA 95945. Main phone number - 530-272-3796 The non-profit can help people apply for government aid and other support. Some of what may be offered includes Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, food boxes, groceries, and perishable food items.
Locations of more California free food banks
If you are not having any success with the California food banks listed above, or need information on other pantries near you, individuals and families who need further support can dial 510-272-4435 or 866-321-4435. There is also hunger support from Feeding America in CA , and they can offer more information or locations.