Bay Area Food Resources

Written By Grace Clark

Nov 1, 2025

Because of the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is at risk of a serious interruption starting November 1. Future payments may not be loaded unless the funding situation is resolved. Mayor Lurie has announced that San Francisco will cover SNAP benefits for November and SNAP recipients will receive a notice in the mail from SF Human Services Agency in the coming week. Alameda County has sent $10 million in funds to local food banks and food assistance programs. We are glad that our local governments are working to fill the gap, but in this uncertain environment we still wanted to share some local food resources.

The discontinuation of SNAP benefits doesn’t need to happen. Not only is Trump using the federal shutdown as an opportunity to punish his political opponents and slash funding of federal workers and agencies, there is a SNAP contingency fund with billions of dollars available. The Trump administration is simply choosing not to use it.

The administration’s blatant disregard for human life comes as no surprise, as President Trump has made his policy and budget priorities clear from the start. However, the results are still devastating. Now is the time for care and solidarity, to help one another access the resources we need.

We hope the resources below are helpful. For more support, contact our Peer Advocates for information and referrals.

Resources:

Community Meals (SF)

Free, healthy meals are available across the city to older adults and adults with disabilities. We suggest calling meal sites in advance to confirm services and schedules. Find a meal site using the Community Meals Locator map or call the SF Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS) at (415) 355-6700 for details.  

 

CHAMPSS Program (SF)

Choosing Healthy Appetizing Meal Plan Solutions for Seniors (CHAMPSS) offers adults aged 60+ the opportunity to enjoy healthy meals at participating restaurants such as  S & E Café, SoHoMei, Venus Café, and Crazy Pepper. To apply, visit a Self Help for the Elderly senior center. There is a suggested contribution of $5.00 per meal. Learn more on the CHAMPSS website or call Self Help for the Elderly at (415) 677-7600 or DAS at (415) 355-6700.

 

Food Bank Locators

If you’re in San Francisco or Marin, use SF-Marin Foodbank’s food locator tool to find free food near you. On the same webpage, find more information about how to receive free home-delivered groceries if you cannot go out and get them yourself. If you’re in Alameda County, use Alameda County Food Bank’s food locator

Due to high demand, food bank may have waitlists or limited availability. If you need immediate assistance, contact the SF-Marin Food Bank or Alameda County Food Bank directly to learn about emergency food distributions or mobile pantry sites.

  • In SF, call SF Human Services Agency: (855) 355-5757.

  • In Marin County, call Marin Health and Human Services: (877) 410-8817

  • In Alameda County, call (510) 635-3663

 

More East Bay Food Sites

via CALMA Official

Rainbow Rec Center
5800 International Ave, Oakland
(510) 615-5751
Food Giveaway: Tues & Thurs, 11am to 1:30pm.
Get fruits, vegetables, canned goods, and other foodstuff.

Telegraph Community Center
5316 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
(510) 961-4385
Food Pantry: Weds & Fri, 9:30 to 11:30am, Weds, 5 to 7pm
Manna From Heaven Breakfast: Weds through Sun, 6 to 8am

Community Kitchens Meal Programs
2300 Valdez St, Oakland
Sun to Thurs, 11am to 2pm

Free Food From East Oakland Collective
7800 Macarthur Blvd, Oakland
Tues and Thurs at 11am

 

Restaurants offering free or heavily discounted meals for children whose families' SNAP benefits have been cut

 

Other Resource Lists

Find more SF food resources here through SF.gov

Alameda County Social Services lists options here for older adults, such as groceries and food banks, Meals on Wheels, and group dining.

Grace Clark
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