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Food Banks and Pantries in Sacramento, CA

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services serves Sacramento, CA with an estimated 150 partner pantries and meal programs. Anyone in need can get free groceries or a hot meal -- most sites do not require ID or proof of income.

Last updated:

Sacramento at a Glance

150

Partner pantries & meal sites

Sacramento Food

Regional Feeding America food bank

4+

Notable sites listed below

211

Free pantry locator hotline

How to Get Free Food in Sacramento

Sacramento is served by Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, the Feeding America member covering Sacramento County with about 150 partner agencies. The food bank offers a broad range of family services beyond food, including clothing, education, and immigration assistance. Loaves & Fishes operates the largest homeless meal program in the city.

Regional Food Bank: Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services

The primary Feeding America member food bank serving the Sacramento, CA area. It distributes food to an estimated 150 partner pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs across Sacramento County, with additional distributions through partner agencies in surrounding counties.

Website: https://www.sacramentofoodbank.org
Phone: 916-456-1980
Service area: Sacramento County, with additional distributions through partner agencies in surrounding counties

Notable Pantries and Meal Sites in Sacramento

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services Main Campus
3333 3rd Ave, Sacramento, CA 95817
Phone: 916-456-1980Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-4pm; Sat 9am-1pm
Walk-in pantry, clothing, CalFresh help, and family services
Loaves & Fishes Sacramento
1351 N C St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-446-0874Hours: Daily meal service 10:30am-12:30pm
Largest homeless meal program in Sacramento; serves lunch daily
Wellspring Womens Center
3414 4th Ave, Sacramento, CA 95817
Phone: 916-456-1980Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-3pm
Food and nutrition assistance for women and families in Oak Park
River City Food Bank
1800 J St, Sacramento, CA 95811
Phone: 916-446-2627Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-2:30pm
Independent food bank serving downtown and midtown Sacramento

This is a sample of well-known sites. For a full, current list of all pantries near you, use 211 or the food bank website above.

Soup Kitchens and Community Meals

Loaves & Fishes at 1351 N C St is the primary soup kitchen in Sacramento, serving lunch daily to hundreds of homeless and low-income residents. The campus also offers showers, mail, and shelter services. Several church-based kitchens operate across the metro, supplied by Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services.

Mobile Pantry Program

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services runs a Mobile Pantry program that delivers fresh produce and staples to underserved neighborhoods across Sacramento County, including Del Paso Heights, Oak Park, and South Sacramento. The schedule rotates weekly and is posted on sacramentofoodbank.org. Distributions are first-come first-served.

SNAP / Food Stamp Outreach

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services provides CalFresh (SNAP) outreach and application assistance at its main campus and at partner sites. Staff help residents apply through BenefitsCal. The California SNAP hotline is 877-847-3663, and applications can be completed at benefitscal.com.

How to Find a Pantry Near You in Sacramento

Call 211 to reach the California helpline for a referral to the nearest Sacramento Food Bank partner pantry. Visit sacramentofoodbank.org for the find-food locator, or use feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank. Loaves & Fishes at 1351 N C St is a reliable same-day option for meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I get free food today in Sacramento?
Call 211 or visit sacramentofoodbank.org. The main campus at 3333 3rd Ave offers same-day groceries, and Loaves & Fishes at 1351 N C St serves lunch daily.
Do Sacramento food pantries require ID?
Most ask for a photo ID and proof of address but will serve first-time visitors without documents. Sacramento Food Bank partner sites use self-declaration of need on the first visit.
Where can homeless people get hot meals in Sacramento?
Loaves & Fishes serves lunch daily at 1351 N C St. The campus also offers showers and services for homeless residents.
How do I apply for CalFresh in Sacramento County?
Apply online at benefitscal.com or call 877-847-3663. Sacramento Food Bank outreach staff can help you complete the application at the main campus or a partner site.
Does Sacramento Food Bank deliver food to seniors?
Yes. Sacramento Food Bank operates a Senior Box Program (CSFP) and partners with Meals on Wheels for home delivery. Call 916-456-1980 to request senior food assistance.
Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Pantry hours, locations, and requirements change. Always call ahead or check the food bank website before visiting. For the most current list of pantries near you, call 211 or visit the regional food bank website.