Resources and Support for Californians Facing Food Insecurity

As of November 1, 2025, millions of Americans—including many older adults—may not receive their monthly food benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. This disruption affects individuals living on fixed incomes, many of whom rely on SNAP to afford groceries and maintain their health.

You Are Not Alone

If you are facing food insecurity, know that help is available. Whether you need groceries, home-delivered meals, or someone to talk to, these resources are here to support you. You deserve dignity, nourishment, and peace of mind.

Check Your EBT Balance

Unused SNAP benefits from previous months may still be available. Benefits usually stay on your card for up to 12 months. Visit your state’s EBT portal or call the number on the back of your card to check your balance.

Many food banks and pantries offer services tailored to older individuals, including home delivery and dietary-sensitive options.

Los Angeles

• Food Oasis is a non-profit, volunteer-run directory of free food resources in the Los Angeles - https://foodoasis.la/
• 211LA - https://211la.org/resources/subcategory/food

San Diego

• 211 San Diego is serving as the region’s central hub for information and referrals- https://211sandiego.org/
• Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank – https://sandiegofoodbank.org/

Bay Area

• Second Harvest of Silicon Valley – they service San Matro and Santa Clara Counties - Home | Second Harvest of Silicon Valley
• Alameda County Community Food Bank – https://www.accfb.org/

Sacramento

• Sacramento Food Bank – www.sacramentofoodbank.org
• Yolo Food Bank – www.yolofoodbank.org
• 211 Sacramento – www.211sacramento.org
• 211 Yolo - www.211sacramento.org/211/2-1-1-yolo-county/
• Feeding the Foothills (formerly Placer Food Bank) – www.feedingthefoothills.org Serving Placer, El Dorado and Nevada Counties.
• Food Pantries.org – www.foodpantries.org Select by state, then city for additional distribution sites.

State and National Resources

• Feeding America Food Bank Locator - https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank
• Hunger Free America - https://findfood.hungerfreeamerica.org
• Food Finder Interactive Map - https://foodfinder.us/
• WhyHunger Find Food Database - https://whyhunger.org/find-food
• Meals on Wheels America - delivers nutritious meals directly to homes. Find a provider - https://www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/
• Little Food Pantries - https://www.thelittlefreepantries.org/
• Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) - These agencies often coordinate food delivery, congregate meals, and other support services. Find your local AAA - https://eldercare.acl.gov/home or call (800) 510-2020
• Older Californians Nutrition Program - home delivered meals for eligible individuals 60+ - www.aging.ca.gov/Programs_and_Services/Meal_Programs
• California Association of Food Banks - www.cafoodbanks.org/our-members

State Energy Assistance Programs

• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program - www.csd.ca.gov/Pages/LIHEAPProgram.aspx
• California Alternate Rates for Energy - www.cpuc.ca.gov/consumer-support/financial-assistance-savings-and-discounts/california-alternate-rates-for-energy
• Family Electric Rate Assistance Program - www.cpuc.ca.gov/consumer-support/financial-assistance-savings-and-discounts/family-electric-rate-assistance-program

National Hotlines for Immediate Help

• National Hunger Hotline: Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (Spanish)
• WhyHunger Hotline: Call 1-800-5-HUNGRY or text your ZIP code to 1-800-548-6479
• Call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org to connect with local food programs.