Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. If money for food is tight right now, I'm really glad you're here. Nobody should have to choose between rent and groceries, and there is real help in California for exactly this.
Here is the easy first step: dial 211 and say "I need food today." Then use this guide to line up the longer term help, like CalFresh and WIC, so next month is easier.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise food, money or a spot in any program.
- Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
If you need to eat today, here is the quickest path. Food banks don't usually hand out food themselves.
They supply local pantries, soup kitchens and mobile pantries, and their websites have maps to find the one closest to you.
How to find food today, step by step
- Dial 211 and say your city or ZIP code and "I need food today."
- Ask for the closest food pantry or hot meal that's open today, and the hours.
- Check your county's food bank map in the county list later in this guide.
- Ask what to bring. Some pantries ask for an ID or proof of address, and many don't.
- Bring bags or a box if you can, and plan for a wait.
- If you can't get there, ask 211 about delivery or mobile pantries near you.
What to say when you call
"Hi. I need food for [number] people today. I'm near [your city or ZIP]."
"Is there a pantry or a hot meal open today? What time?"
"Do I need to bring anything, like an ID?"
"I don't have a way to cook." Say so, and ask about ready to eat food.
Bring your own bags
A couple of sturdy bags or a small box makes carrying food home so much easier. A cooler bag is great for anything cold. Easy peasy!
How do I apply for CalFresh?
CalFresh is California's name for SNAP (food stamps). It puts money for groceries on an EBT card every month, and applying is always at no cost.
- Online with help. GetCalFresh is an official State of California partner with step by step help, and real people can answer questions by chat, text or email. Apply at https://www.getcalfresh.org/
- Online through BenefitsCal at https://benefitscal.com/ where you can also apply for Medi Cal and cash aid.
- At your county social services office. In Los Angeles County, DPSS customer service is 866.613.3777, Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.
CalFresh can buy most food for your household, like fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, dairy, bread, snacks, and even seeds and plants that grow food. The USDA says SNAP can't buy alcohol, tobacco, vitamins or supplements, hot foods, pet food, or nonfood items like cleaning supplies, paper products and hygiene items.
Say you get SSI
Say you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and you're not sure if you can get CalFresh too. GetCalFresh has a page just for people on SSI that explains how CalFresh works for your situation.
You could read that page, then apply online. If you get stuck, real people can help by chat, text or email.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.getcalfresh.org/
Before you apply for CalFresh, gather what you can
Applying for CalFresh is never a bother and it's never a handout. It's there for exactly this season of life, my friend.
From the Bunklow team
What is WIC, and who can get it?
WIC is for families with little ones. California WIC says you may qualify if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or recently pregnant, or care for a child under 5, have a low to medium income or get Medi Cal, CalWORKs or CalFresh, and live in California.
WIC food benefits go on a California WIC Card you can use at the store.
What California WIC may ask you to bring
How do I find WIC near me?
California WIC has a website where you can find your local WIC office and learn how to sign up: https://myfamily.wic.ca.gov/
- Call California WIC at 1.800.852.5770, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
- Tell them your city or ZIP code, and they can point you to the closest office.
- Ask what to bring and whether you can do your appointment by phone.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://myfamily.wic.ca.gov/Home/ContactUs
Here is an easy one
If you're expecting or have a baby, call WIC before your appointment and ask what to bring. One quick call can save you a second trip.
What other food help is out there?
- School meals. The USDA National School Lunch Program offers low cost or no cost lunches to children at school. Ask your child's school office how to apply. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp
- Older adults, 60 and up. The USDA Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) offers a monthly food package for people with low income who are at least 60. Ask 211 or your county food bank how to sign up. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fns.usda.gov/csfp
- Hot meals. Many churches, missions and day centers serve no cost meals. In Contra Costa County, drop in CARE Centers in Richmond and Walnut Creek offer meals, showers and laundry.
- Mobile pantries. Food banks often bring trucks of food to neighborhoods. Check the food bank map for your county.
What are SUN Bucks, and how do I keep my EBT card safe?
SUN Bucks is California's summer food help for kids, also called Summer EBT. CDSS says each eligible child gets one $120 card a year to buy groceries while school is out.
- Many kids get it automatically. That includes kids who get CalFresh, CalWORKs or Medi Cal at or below 185% of the federal poverty level, kids approved at no cost or reduced price meals, and kids their school lists as in foster care, homeless or migrant.
- No cost school meals alone don't count. Every California student gets no cost meals, so CDSS says you need an approved school meal application or Universal Benefits Application. Turn it in at your child's school.
- Timing. The 2026 deadline was August 31, 2026. CDSS says applications after that date count for SUN Bucks 2027, so you can turn one in now.
- Use it within 122 days. Money left on the card after 122 days expires and can't be put back.
- No address? CDSS says the card goes to your county office or your child's school for pick up.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.cdss.ca.gov/sun-bucks/faq
Keep your EBT and SUN Bucks card safe
What to ask your child's school
"Can I get a Universal Benefits Application for my child?"
"Will this also count for SUN Bucks next summer?"
"Who do I call if my child's card never comes?"
How do I make my food go further?
These are simple ideas, not rules. Use what fits.
- Plan a few meals around what the pantry gave you before you shop.
- Buy store brands and big bags of rice, beans and oats when you can.
- Frozen and canned fruits and vegetables count, and they last.
- If you don't have a kitchen, ask pantries for ready to eat items and pop top cans.
- Keep your EBT card and PIN safe. Never share your PIN. Lost card? Call 877.328.9677.
Say your family needs food for the week in Irvine
Say you have two kids and the fridge is almost empty. You could dial 211, or call Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County at 949.653.2900 and use its Find Food page for a pantry near you.
The same day, you could apply for CalFresh online, and if your youngest is under 5, call California WIC at 1.800.852.5770 to find your local office.
This is an example to show how it can go. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different.
Questions people ask a lot
Do I need an ID to get food from a pantry?
It depends on the pantry. Many don't ask for anything. Call ahead or ask 211.
Can I get CalFresh if I don't have a home address?
You can still apply. Tell your county office your situation and ask how to get mail and your EBT card.
Does applying for CalFresh cost anything?
No. Applying is always at no cost. Be careful of anyone who asks for money to help you apply.
Can I use CalFresh for diapers or soap?
No. The USDA says SNAP can't buy nonfood items like hygiene products and paper goods. Ask pantries and 211 about those.
I lost my EBT card. What now?
Call the California EBT Customer Service Helpline at 877.328.9677 right away to report it and ask for a new one.
Can I get WIC and CalFresh at the same time?
Yes, many families do. California WIC says getting CalFresh can help you qualify.
You're taking care of your family
Asking for food help is a smart, strong thing to do. I'm proud of you for doing it, and I'm happy you're here!
Here is where to look near you. Every food bank below has a map or phone line to find a pantry close to home.
If your county isn't listed, dial 211.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
SNAP (federal food benefits)
What it offers SNAP helps people with low incomes buy groceries. The USDA page explains who may qualify. In California, SNAP is called CalFresh.
How to reach Learn more at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility
Source https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
California
Here are some places to start.
CalFresh (California's SNAP)
What it offers CalFresh helps people buy groceries. GetCalFresh is an official State of California partner with step by step help, and real people can answer questions by chat, text or email.
How to reach Apply at https://www.getcalfresh.org/
Source https://www.getcalfresh.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
211 California
What it offers A at no cost, private service that connects people with housing, food, health care and other help across California. Search by your location on the website.
How to reach Dial 211. Search at https://www.211ca.org/
Source https://www.211ca.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Los Angeles County
Here are some places to start.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
What it offers Food help across Los Angeles County. Use its Find Food page for a pantry near you.
How to reach Call 323.234.3030.
Source https://www.lafoodbank.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Los Angeles County DPSS
What it offers County office for CalFresh, Medi Cal, CalWORKs and General Relief.
How to reach Customer service: 866.613.3777, Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Source https://dpss.lacounty.gov/en/resources/contact.html
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
San Diego County
Here are some places to start.
San Diego Food Bank
What it offers Food help across San Diego County. Main office at 9850 Distribution Avenue, San Diego.
How to reach Call 858.527.1419 or 866.350.3663.
Source https://sandiegofoodbank.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Orange County
Here are some places to start.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County
What it offers Food help across Orange County. Use its Find Food page for a pantry near you. 8014 Marine Way, Irvine.
How to reach Call 949.653.2900.
Source https://www.feedoc.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Riverside County
Here are some places to start.
Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino
What it offers Food help across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Use its website to find food near you.
How to reach Call 951.359.4757.
Source https://feedingamericaie.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
San Bernardino County
Here are some places to start.
Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino
What it offers Food help across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Use its website to find food near you.
How to reach Call 951.359.4757.
Source https://feedingamericaie.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Santa Clara County (San Jose)
Here are some places to start.
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
What it offers Food help in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, plus CalFresh help.
How to reach Food Connection line: 800.984.3663.
Source https://www.shfb.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Alameda County (Oakland)
Here are some places to start.
Alameda County Community Food Bank
What it offers Food help across Alameda County.
How to reach Call 510.635.3663.
Source https://www.accfb.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Sacramento County
Here are some places to start.
Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services
What it offers Food help in Sacramento County. 1951 Bell Avenue, Sacramento.
How to reach Call 916.456.1980.
Source https://www.sacramentofoodbank.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Contra Costa County
Here are some places to start.
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
What it offers Food help in Contra Costa and Solano counties. 4010 Nelson Avenue, Concord.
How to reach Call 925.676.7543.
Source https://www.foodbankccs.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Fresno County
Here are some places to start.
Central California Food Bank
What it offers Food help in the Central Valley. 4010 E. Amendola Drive, Fresno. Office hours Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
How to reach Call 559.237.3663.
Source https://ccfoodbank.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
What to bring to a food pantry, if you can
My food plan for this week
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
Food today and this week
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Sources were first checked on October 16, 2026. New sources were added, and every link was checked again on October 18, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Affordable living. Simplified
.jpg){kind=link}
_(20250110-USDA-FNS-UNK-076).jpg){kind=link}