Where to find food pantries, mutual aid and other no-cost groceries in San Diego
Throughout the month, community members can receive food from or donate to local nonprofits, restaurants and community members helping people struggling to make ends meet because of repercussions from the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
Written by Lauren J. Mapp, Edited by Kate Morrissey
People who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits have been struggling to feed their families ever since the federal government shutdown started last month.
Even before the government shutdown, in San Diego County, nearly 400,000 people experience food insecurity, including more than 100,000 kids, according to this year’s Map the Meal Gap study from Feeding America, which is based on 2023 data.
Because of the longest shutdown in the country’s history, SNAP recipients did not receive funds to buy food on Nov. 1. While the House of Representatives voted to reopen the government Wednesday, California started restoring SNAP benefits on Nov. 6 after a federal court ordered the Trump administration to immediately release previously appropriated funds.
Even with SNAP benefits restored, the need for nutrition support is still ongoing.
Feeding America reports that the cost of a modestly priced meal in San Diego is $3.72 on average. By comparison, the national average is $3.41 per meal. The SNAP benefit covers only $2.84, and 44% of San Diegans experiencing food insecurity do not meet the financial threshold to qualify for the aid.
Across San Diego County, nonprofit organizations and community members are distributing free food to help bridge the gap for those experiencing food insecurity. While some events focus on general pantry items, others are tailored toward holiday meal preparations ahead of Thanksgiving.
Along with 40 volunteers, Roosevelt Williams III is organizing a giveaway of turkeys, hams and other Thanksgiving-themed foods to 400 families during the fourth annual Thanksgiving giveaway with Feeding San Diego at Greene Cat Liquors this Saturday.
Williams believes that community-based support is a critical solution to helping neighbors access nutritious food.
“That's the beauty of the community,” he said. “To be a part of the community that's given to me and to be able to give back means a lot to me.”
The need for community supported food distribution is especially important in food deserts, areas that lack access to affordable, fresh and healthy food, Williams said. He grew up on Churchward Street in Valencia Park, a neighborhood that the USDA considers a low access area because the nearest supermarket is half a mile away for a significant number of residents.
“A lot of times we had to go to the liquor store to get our produce,” Williams said. “There's a lack of food — healthy food, fresh food, vegetables, organic food. It's like a lot of processed fast food in that area, so a lot of folks really don't get the nutrients [they need].”
Here are some local options if you’re looking to access food resources this month. You can also call 2-1-1 or visit 211sandiego.org to find immediate assistance and local food pantries.
And if you’re looking to give back to the community this holiday season, many of the organizations are also collecting funds and non-perishable items to support their food distribution efforts.
Nov. 15
Thanksgiving Food Giveaway: Roosevelt Williams III, Feeding San Diego and Greene Cat Liquors are giving away free Thanksgiving meal packages to 400 families. Packages will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis, but online registration is recommended. Anyone interested in supporting the meal program can make donations online. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Greene Cat Liquors, 5102 Imperial Ave., San Diego, CA 92114
Emergency Pop-up Food Distribution: The North County LGBTQ Center is holding an emergency pop-up drive-thru food distribution provided by Feeding San Diego. Open for everyone. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1919 Apple St., Oceanside, CA 92054
Feeding San Diego: There will be a free large-scale food distribution event at Feeding San Diego where recipients can pick up fresh produce and non-perishable groceries. Registration is not required, and guests are asked to bring their own bags, carts or wagons when they walk up. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., Feeding San Diego, 9477 Waples St., Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92121. The nonprofit also runs a marketplace for no-cost groceries that includes frozen protein and fresh produce Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Carlsbad: North Coast Calvary Chapel is hosting a community food drive and distribution. The distribution is a drive-thru event, and food will be available on a first come, first serve basis. 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., North Coast Calvary Chapel, 1330 Poinsettia Lane, Carlsbad, CA 92011. Donors can drop off food at the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce on Friday and at the chapel on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
San Ysidro: Casa Familiar and The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank are hosting a food distribution pop-up at the San Ysidro Civic Center. The event is walk-up only and registration is not required. 9 a.m., San Ysidro Civic Center, 212 West Park Ave., San Ysidro, CA 92173
Nov. 16
Grocery Pop-Up: Park Takeover is hosting a free grocery pop-up outside of Daygo Performance in National City. 2 p.m., 1145 Highland Ave., National City, CA
Nov. 22
November Hike Food Drive: Hot Queer Hikes is collecting non-perishable food donations at its monthly hike around the Chollas Lake Loop. 8 a.m., Chollas Lake Park, 6350 College Grove Drive, San Diego, CA 92115
Multiple Days
Center for Impact: SBCS (formerly South Bay Community Services) is distributing free food for families. The organization recommends guests bring a bag or box to bring items home in. Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., 318 Fourth Ave., Chula Vista, CA 91910
Sherman Heights: The Sherman Heights Community Center and San Diego Food Bank distribute fresh produce and nonperishable food at the center twice a month. General distribution is the first Thursday of the month, and senior food distribution is the second Wednesday. Check online for eligibility. 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Foodies & Goodies Emergency Food Drive: The North County LGBTQ Center hosts weekly food distribution every Friday. Food is first come, first serve. There are no requirements, but there is a short census with basic demographics. 12 - 2 p.m., 1919 Apple St., Oceanside, CA 92054. Non-perishable, pantry item donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Free Meal Wednesdays: Louisiana Purchase is partnering with The Harvey Family Foundation and Black San Diego to provide free meals to people impacted by the federal government shutdown each Wednesday in November. Recipients must show a valid ID or EBT card to qualify, and food will be available while supplies last. The restaurant is accepting donations to support the free meal program online. 3 p.m., Louisiana Purchase, 2305 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92104
City Heights Mobile Pantry : The City Heights Mobile Pantry distributes food on the third Tuesday of every month at 3 p.m. until supplies last. Eligibility is required. 3 p.m., 4300 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92105
Bridge of Hope: Bridge of Hope distributes food on Fridays and is open to everyone. 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., Bridge of Hope SD, 3406 Fairmount Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Church of the Nazarene: The Church of the Nazarene distributes food on Tuesdays 2 - 4 p.m. and Saturdays 9 - 11 a.m. Distribution is open for everyone. For more information, reach out to (619) 283-6242 or midcitynazarene.org. 4227 Fairmount Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
Calvary Evangelical: Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church distributes food on Mondays and Wednesdays. Eligibility is required. For more information, reach out to (619) 582-5581. Mondays and Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 3060 54th St., San Diego, CA 92105
Abundant Grace: The Abundant Grace Christian Center distributes food on Mondays 9 - 10 a.m., Wednesdays 4 - 4:30 p.m. and Sundays 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Distribution is open to everyone. Abundant Grace Christian Center, 5856 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92115
Thanksgiving Food Drive: Sharia’s Closet is leading a food drive to provide food for 25 families for Thanksgiving. The nonprofit is requesting non-perishable food items like boxes of stuffing, gravy packets, instant mashed potatoes and canned cranberry sauce. Donations can be dropped off through Nov. 14, and monetary donations can be made through Nov. 18. Nov. 3-18, Western Capital Mortgage, 860 Kuhn Dr., Suite 201, Chula Vista, CA 91914
Emergency Community Rice Drive: A local educational and fundraising nonprofit is asking for 25-pound rice bag donations to aid people waiting on SNAP benefits. The rice can be donated online or dropped off at the organization's office. Nov. 1-30, 5354 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
Karen Organization of San Diego: Every Wednesday in November, the Karen Organization is distributing food at the Global Marketplace. No registration is required, but recipients must share their family size and zip code. People are also asked to bring their own grocery bags. Contact Hsihsa Thaw via at hsihsa@karensandiego.org or phone at 619-582-0783 for more information. Nov. 19 and 26, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m., Global Marketplace, 5591 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92105
We All We Got: On the second and fourth Saturdays of the month, We All We Got San Diego distributes food at the Brown Building in Azalea Park. Proof of income and identification are not required. Those who do not have cars can email WeAllWeGotSanDiego@gmail.com to schedule a delivery. The mutual aid organization accepts donations to support its food distribution program and is also looking for volunteers to purchase, pack and distribute food to the community. Second and fourth Saturday, 12 p.m. until food runs out, The Brown Building, 4133 Poplar St., San Diego, California 92105
Know one we missed? Send an email to lauren@daylightsandiego.org so we can add it to the list.
