Food Assistance Programs & Food Resources

The Afterschool Meal Program offers children and adolescents with healthy meals and/or snacks in a learning environment after school hours, on weekends, or during school holidays.

Visit the California Department of Education to learn more about After School Meal Program or contact your local school district to learn more about how to participate.

CalFresh, federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamps, can help eligible individuals and families with their food budget and put healthy food on the table. CalFresh benefits are given through an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. Most grocery stores, corner stores and farmers’ markets accept CalFresh benefits.

Visit the Department of Public Social Services to learn more about CalFresh.

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides nutritious meals and snacks to infants, children, elderly or disabled adults who are enrolled at participating CACFP sites, such as childcare centers, adult day care centers, family day care homes, afterschool care centers, and emergency shelters.

Visit the California Department of Social Services to learn more about CACFP and how organizations can apply to become a CACFP operator.

The Congregate Nutrition Program (also referred to as congregate or senior meals) provides healthy meals to older adults in a group setting. The goal of the program is to address the nutritional needs of older adults and present opportunities for social engagement. The program offers meals to adults aged 60 and older at meal sites such as community senior centers and parks.

Visit the Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department to learn more about the Congregate Nutrition Program or call 1-800-510-2020.

Food pantries provide free groceries to individuals and families in need of immediate food assistance. Most food pantries are located in community-based organizations, schools, places of worship, or Salvation Army centers and often managed by volunteers.

Head Start offers early childhood education programs and services for low-income children from birth to age five, as well as support for their families. The program takes a comprehensive approach, addressing early learning, literacy, and the overall health and well-being of the entire family. Head Start programs also prepare children for school while empowering families to build successful futures. Visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Head Start Center locator to find a head start program.

The Home-Delivered Meals Program provides nutritious meals to older adults who are homebound due to an illness or disability, or social isolation. Most home-delivered meal programs provide their clients with a hot meal five days a week delivered by staff or volunteer drivers.

Visit the Los Angeles County Aging and Disabilities Department to learn more about the Home-Delivered Meals Program or call 1-800-510-2020.

Market Match is a program for people on CalFresh to help them buy healthy food at participating farmers’ markers. For every $1 of CalFresh benefits spent at a participating farmers’ market, the program provides an additional $1 in Market Match tokens or vouchers. The tokens or vouchers can only be used to buy fruits and vegetables.

Visit Market Match to learn more about this program and find a participating farmers’ market using the Ecology Center’s Farmers Market finder.

School meals provide eligible students with free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch, ensuring students receive the nutrition they need to learn and grow. Additionally, through the California Universal Meals program, public school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools serving students from transitional kindergarten through grade 12 (TK-12) must provide two free meals (breakfast and lunch) during the school day.

Visit the California Department of Education to learn more about school meals or contact your local school district to complete an application for the School Breakfast Program and National School Lunch Program.

The Summer Meals Program provides free healthy meals and snacks to children and adolescents during the summer months when school is not in session. Children and adolescents get free food at sites that are safe and supervised. These sites include churches, community centers, libraries, parks, and schools. Most summer meal sites provide activities such as nutrition education, physical activity and reading programs.

Visit the California Department of Education to learn more about the Summer Meals Program. Find a summer meals location, by visiting California Department of Education’s Summer Meal Services Sites or using the California Meals for Kids mobile app.

The Sun Bucks program provides grocery assistance to families with children during summer when schools are closed. Eligible families receive $40 per month per child for food for June, July, and August ($120 total). The benefits are distributed through an Electronic Benefit Transfer card, also known as the Summer EBT (S-EBT) card.

Visit the California Department of Social Services to learn more about SUN Bucks program.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, or Children or WIC provides eligible families with nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy food, and other resources. WIC helps families access nutritious foods that support the health and well-being of pregnant and postpartum women, while promoting the growth and development of infants and young children.

Visit MyFamily WIC to learn more about WIC or call 1-800-852-5770 .