Where to Find Food Assistance in San Diego

With the current government shutdown raising uncertainty around SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, many San Diegans may be wondering where to turn for food support. Fortunately, several local organizations and community programs across the county are stepping up to ensure that individuals and families continue to have access to fresh, nutritious meals and essential groceries.

The list below includes food banks, community farms, and local initiatives offering free, discounted, or sliding-scale food options, as well as opportunities to donate or get involved. Have a resource to add? Please email us at hello@locallywell.com

Feeding San Diego is the county’s largest hunger-relief organization, rescuing surplus food and distributing it to families, veterans, students, and seniors through a network of local partners. 

Feeding San Diego's Find Food Map allows you to search for free food distributions near you by entering your zip code. 

You can also support their efforts by donating or by sending food directly via Instacart. Order via Instacart here.

Website: feedingsandiego.org
Phone: (858) 452-3663

Need assistance? Use the San Diego Food Bank’s GPS Food Locator Map by entering your ZIP code or address to view nearby pantries, hours, and contact information. Many locations welcome walk-ups and provide free groceries to anyone who needs help. You can also call 2-1-1 San Diego for assistance in finding a food site. 

Donations and volunteers are always welcome.

Website: sandiegofoodbank.org
Phone: (858) 527-1419

211 San Diego maintains a constantly updated database of emergency and ongoing food assistance programs (food banks, pantries, CalFresh, etc.). You can call 2‑1‑1 or search their site to find a program near you.

Website: 211sandiego.org

The City Heights Food Farmacy, operated by Foodshed, uses a sliding scale membership model to ensure everyone has access to affordable, high-quality food. 

Shoppers choose from three pricing tiers:

The Saturday Market is a welcoming community space where everyone can access fresh, local produce.

Website: foodshed.cityheights.org

Located in Encinitas, Coastal Roots Farm grows organic produce and offers it through a pay-what-you-can farm stand, making nutrient-dense food accessible to all. A portion of each harvest is also donated to local food justice organizations and community partners.

Website: coastalrootsfarm.org

For older residents or those unable to leave home, Meals on Wheels provides delivered meals. This is a particularly useful option for those with mobility or health constraints. 

Website: meals-on-wheels.org

JFS offers several nutrition assistance options:

Website: jfssd.org 

For those with pets, the Rancho Coastal Humane Society operates a weekly pet food bank on Saturday mornings, providing free food for companion animals to ensure every member of the household is cared for.

Website: rchumanesociety.org/pet-food-bank

Your local neighborhood or community likely has a Buy Nothing Chapter Facebook or other online forum group where neighbors are donating fresh food and other items at no cost.

Too Good to Go is a mobile app that partners with local restaurants to sell surplus food and meals at a discounted rate (usually at 1/3 or 1/2 the regular cost).

Website: toogoodtogo.com (iOS / Google app)

The list below includes food banks, community farms, and local initiatives offering free, discounted, or sliding-scale food options, as well as opportunities to donate or get involved. Have a resource to add? Please email us at hello@locallywell.com

Have surplus garden produce or orchards? Produce Good and Fresh Food Connect are two organizations that partner with local gardeners to donate homegrown produce to local hunger relief. Volunteers also needed to help glean and harvest produce.

Websites: freshfoodconnect.org | producegood.org