Updated August 2025. With inflation continuing to rise, more of us are seeking additional sources to provide our families with food.

There are many options outside the normal grocery store these days in California. Because of SB 1383, Certain food generators (restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, etc.) must donate surplus food to local food recovery programs.

That means food banks, shares, and co-ops receive higher-quality foods than before. Even though the price of food is increasing, stores still overstock shelves to look nice.

Unsold food is no longer destroyed or trashed; it must be donated to be redistributed.

Many of these options are free; however, there are some (such as food co-ops or food rescues) that charge a small fee to cover their rent and administrative costs. 

All Over San Diego County:

San Diego Food Bank Neighborhood Distribution locations and times can be found here. Enter your address (or just your zip code), and the map will show you all of the distributions in your area or closest to you. You can filter by the days of the week to find food when you are available. If there is an income requirement/limit to participate, each location/listing will say such. 

Neighborhood Distributions have no income requirements, and you come as you are. These Distributions are primarily fruits & veg; however, some locations may also distribute canned goods, dairy, and bread.

The San Diego Food Bank also has a monthly program called Commodities (also referred to as The Emergency Food Assistance Program). Food items vary from month to month. A typical bag/box will include: canned vegetables, canned soups, fruit juice, canned fruits, canned meats, spaghetti, rice, beans, occasional fresh produce, dairy, frozen meat, and frozen food items. 

To learn more about 2025 times, locations, and income limitations, check out their site here. 

Central San Diego County:

Porchlight Community Services is located in Clairemont, right off the 15. Porchlight offers two programs: A food share, which has a small fee each time you visit, and free food baskets.  FREE Food Baskets are available for low-income residents of Bay Park (92110), Clairemont (92117), Linda Vista (92111), and Serra Mesa (92123). Verified participants receive about a week’s supply of fruit, vegetables, pantry items, and perishable foods in each basket. Their website has more information, including hours. 

The Cupboard on 54th. Located at Calvary Lutheran Church, 3060 54th Street, San Diego, CA 92115.  They are open 3 times a week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 11:00AM-2:00PM. I went by recently to donate some clothes to their clothing ministry, but both were closed, so it may be worth a call to see if they are open before you head over.

This is located at the same location as a free clothing closet. They have clothes for men, women, and children, as well as shoes and accessories.

Christ Ministry Center, 3295 Meade Ave, San Diego, CA 92116, has a food pantry on Wednesdays 10am-Noon. Park in the rear lot and look for the Good Neighbor Center Food Bank sign. They also have other services for those in need. Check out their website for more information.

The Rock Church, which has many locations all over San Diego County, has a food and diaper pantry distribution at many of its locations throughout the month. More info can be found here.

North San Diego County:

Western Eagle Foundation, located in Temecula, has several options available, from low-cost food boxes, food banks and free food boxes for those who qualify. They have TONS of produce.  Visit their website to learn more about their various programs. 

More than Apples located in Escondido, they have $50 “mystery boxes” each week. Good for an adventurous eater, but if you are on a stricter diet, probably not a good choice. You can learn more about More Than Apples here. 

If you live in Escondido or Oceanside, check out the Interfaith Community Services Website for information on food.

In Encinitas:

• The Community Resource Center has Bread distribution and other food distributions several times a week. More information can be found here.

In Vista:

• North County’s Food Bank 1175 Melrose Way, Vista, CA, 92081 (760) 761-1140. The Emergency Food for Individuals program is direct food assistance available to needy individuals. The program is available every first, third, and fifth Monday of the month.
• Food Distribution at Lamb of God Food Bank 1120 Highland Dr, Vista, CA 92083 (760) 458-4655 every Tuesday and Thursday, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm

In San Marcos:

• Summit Church 292 E. Barham Dr., San Marcos, CA 92078 760.471.6267 or office@summitsanmarcos.comArrive: 11:00 am, food distribution: 12:00 p – 1:00 pmSummit hosts a farmers market-style free food outreach 2x per month!
  Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday of every month, they give 25 lbs of food to anyone in need in the front parking lot. Everyone is welcome; there are no requirements!

In Ramona:

• Ramona Food and Clothes Closet. Each 3rd Friday of the month, a truck will bring perishable food items like produce to the store for distribution.  You do not need to qualify for this program.   Patrons are asked to line up before 9:00 AM in an orderly fashion and wait for their turn.  Each person will receive approximately 20-25 pounds of food per family.  It is on a first-come, first-served basis.  You will need to bring your own bags or rolling carts.

East San Diego County:

Journey Church in La Mesa has a food bank that distributes food three times per month.

• 1st Thursday of the month at 6:30 pm
• 2nd Friday of the month – produce only – at 9 am
• 3rd Saturday of the month from 8:30 am

Faith Chapel in Spring Valley hosts a neighborhood distribution of produce once a month. In addition, visitors are invited to shop in their boutique for free clothing and household items. You can learn more by visiting or contacting Faith Chapel here.  

For residents of the City of Santee, the Santee Food Bank is available to you once a month. Proof of Santee Residency (like a utility bill) is required, and ID for everyone in the household (ID cards, driver’s licenses, school IDs, health insurance cards). The Santee Food Bank is open for regular distributions 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. every Wednesday and Friday, as well as the first and third Saturday of each month.

Lakeside Residents in the 92040 zipcode can visit Lakeside Christian Helps Center, 9931 Channel Rd, Lakeside, CA 92040, Monday – Thursday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. More information and resources for Lakeside residents can be found here.

If you are located outside San Diego County, call 211. If you are not familiar with 211, here is their website, and it can point you in the right direction.