Food Assistance Resources
LA County and community partners provide food assistance resources to ensure no resident goes without food. Over 1.3 million people in LA County rely on these programs.
Food assistance is available now. You do not need to wait.
CalFresh Benefits
CalFresh provides monthly food benefits to help low-income individuals and families purchase food. Benefits are loaded onto an EBT card accepted at most grocery stores and farmers markets.
Update – June 1st, 2026 – Changes to CalFresh Work Requirements
The federal government’s rules on CalFresh work requirements are changing. Starting June 1, 2026, under these new federal rules, certain people will have to meet CalFresh work and community engagement requirements to get or keep their CalFresh benefits.
These rules apply to those who:
- Are between the ages of 18 and 64;
- Do not have a disability; and
- Do not have a dependent child under 14 years old.
Some people may be excused from these rules. Learn more
Note: Local food assistance resources are available now through the programs listed on this page.
Important: If you receive a notice about delayed benefits, this does not mean your case has been terminated or that you are no longer eligible. Continue to meet your reporting requirements to ensure benefits are issued once they become available.
Who Can Apply
- Low-income individuals and families
- People experiencing homelessness
- Seniors and people with disabilities
- Working adults with limited income
How to Apply
- Apply online at BenefitsCal.org
- Call the LA County DPSS helpline
- Visit a local DPSS office in person
Need Help Now?
- Call 2-1-1 anytime
- Speak with a resource specialist
- Available in multiple languages
Find Food Near You
Free food is available throughout LA County today. Use the tools below to find a pantry or resource near your home, shelter, or service location.
Note: You can also call 2-1-1 at any time to speak with a resource specialist who can connect you to food and other services near you.
Food Pantry Locator
Find one of 400 or more pantries across LA County. Search by zip code to find free food near you.
211LA Food Search
Search for food pantries and assistance through 211LA. Available online or by phone in multiple languages.
Call 2-1-1
2-1-1 is LA County’s free helpline connecting residents to food, housing, health, and other social services. Specialists are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in multiple languages.
Major Food Assistance Organizations
The following organizations operate food programs throughout LA County. Contact each program directly to confirm eligibility, hours, and distribution locations.
Note: These organizations operate independently of LA County. Programs, hours, and service areas may change. Call 2-1-1 or visit each organization’s website for current information.
LA Regional Food Bank
The largest food assistance network in LA County, with 600 or more partner agencies distributing food to families throughout the region.
- Visit: lafoodbank.org
- Call 2-1-1 to find a partner location near you
Food Forward
Operating since 2009, Food Forward recovers fresh produce and distributes it through hundreds of partner agencies. All produce is free.
- Visit: foodforward.org
- Email: info@foodforward.org
Foodbank of Southern California
Serving LA County for decades. Partners with 275 or more community organizations to distribute food to pantries, soup kitchens, and event centers countywide.
- Visit: foodbanksocal.org
- Call 2-1-1 to find a partner location near you
SL Poverty Center
Serving LA since 1972. Provides weekly groceries, hot meals, and expanded support services to people experiencing homelessness and extremely low-income individuals and families.
- Location: Downtown Los Angeles
- Visit: slpoverty.org
Special Programs
The following programs serve specific populations including older adults, families with young children, and youth. Contact each program or call 2-1-1 to confirm current availability.
Important: Eligibility requirements and program availability may change. Contact each program directly or call 2-1-1 to confirm access before visiting a location.
Seniors (Age 60+)
Free meals are available to older adults through LA County programs.
- Call: 1-800-510-2020
- Visit LA County Aging Services
WIC (Women, Infants, Children)
If you are pregnant, postpartum, or have a child under age 5, you may qualify for WIC benefits to help with grocery costs.
- Visit: fns.usda.gov/wic
- Text MYFWIC to 91997
Youth, Teens, and Families
LA County Parks and Recreation offers free food programs at locations throughout the county.
Other Assistance Available
In addition to food resources, support is available for housing, utilities, and other basic needs. The programs below can help connect people experiencing hardship to available services.
Note: If you are at risk of eviction or foreclosure due to financial hardship, housing assistance may be available. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211LA.org.
Housing Assistance
If you are at risk of losing your housing due to financial hardship, resources are available. Do not wait to ask for help.
- Call: 2-1-1
- Visit 211LA.org
Need Help Right Now?
Food assistance is available today through community partners throughout LA County. No resident should go without food.
- Call 2-1-1 to speak with a resource specialist
- Use the Food Pantry Locator
- Visit 211LA.org