
Food insecurity is a pressing issue in San Francisco, with 1 in 5 residents requiring food assistance. The city is home to a variety of food banks and pantries that aim to address this issue and provide meals to those in need. These include the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, Mission Food Hub, Groceries for Seniors, and many others. These organizations rely on donations and volunteers to provide meals and groceries to thousands of individuals and families each week. In addition to food banks, there are also various governmental programs that help people access food, such as CalFresh and the Commodity Supplemental Food Program.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of food banks in San Francisco | 10+ |
| Names of food banks | SF-Marin Food Bank, Mission Food Hub, Groceries for Seniors, Copia, Tri City Volunteers, Free Food Fridge, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Food Runners Dispatch Line, Dorothy Day House, Alameda Food Bank, The Food Pantry, Refettorio San Francisco (Farming Hope), Self-Help for the Elderly, Glide Foundation, Mother Brown's Dining Room, Booker T. Washington |
| Number of people served pre-COVID | 140,000 people every week |
| Number of people served during COVID | 210,000 people every week |
| Number of families served by The Food Pantry | 500+ families every week |
| Number of residents in San Francisco and Marin that need food assistance | 1 in 5 residents |
| Amount of money donated to provide meals | $1 provides 2 meals |
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What You'll Learn

Food bank locations in San Francisco
Food insecurity is a pressing issue in San Francisco, with 1 in 5 residents requiring food assistance. The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is a non-governmental organisation that provides food to residents, regardless of their immigration status or identity. Every $1 donated to the food bank provides meals for two people in need.
The SF-Marin Food Bank has a network of nearly 300 weekly food pantries across San Francisco and Marin. The food bank also provides home-delivered groceries for seniors and adults with disabilities who meet certain income criteria. Additionally, the Supplemental Food Program offers monthly boxes of USDA food to low-income seniors over 60.
- Refettorio San Francisco (Farming Hope) at 690 Van Ness Ave is open on Fridays from 2 pm to 4:30 pm. Eligibility requires a referral from partner organisations.
- Self-Help for the Elderly at 3133 Taraval St can be contacted at (415) 566-2845. It is open on Wednesdays from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Eligibility requires proof of address in zip codes 94116, 94122, or 94132.
- The Richmond Neighborhood Center at 741 30th Ave can be reached at 415-513-3048. It is open on Fridays from 1 pm to 3:30 pm. Eligibility requires residency in 94121.
- Glide Foundation at 330 Ellis St can be contacted at (415) 674-6000. It is open on weekdays from 8 am to 9 am, 12 pm to 1 pm, and 4 pm to 5 pm. On weekends, it is open from 12 pm to 1 pm for bagged lunches. All are welcome.
- Mother Brown's Dining Room at 2111 Jennings St can be reached at (415) 671-1100. It is open from 7 am to 9 am, 12:30 pm, and 5 pm to 7 pm. All are welcome.
Other food distribution locations in San Francisco include 518 Grant Avenue, 50 Raymond Ave, Bayanihan Equity Center, and Booker T. Washington. It is important to check each location's eligibility requirements and call ahead to confirm food availability and hours.
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Food bank eligibility criteria
Food banks in San Francisco are committed to serving residents regardless of their immigration status or identity. They do not collect the immigration status of participants. Here are the eligibility criteria for some food banks and food programs in San Francisco:
SF-Marin Food Bank
The SF-Marin Food Bank helps residents of San Francisco and Marin find free food resources. Free food is available at close to 300 weekly food pantries around the Bay. The food bank also offers a Supplemental Food Program that provides a monthly box of quality USDA food to low-income seniors over 60. Additionally, seniors, adults with disabilities, and pregnant women may qualify for home-delivered groceries.
CalFresh
CalFresh is a nutrition assistance program for individuals and families in California. Benefits are deposited monthly on an EBT card, which can be used to purchase food at supermarkets, grocery stores, or farmers' markets. People who receive SSI/SSP are eligible to apply for CalFresh.
Glide Foundation
The Glide Foundation provides meals throughout the week and welcomes all, regardless of eligibility criteria.
Mother Brown's Dining Room
Similar to the Glide Foundation, Mother Brown's Dining Room serves meals at various times throughout the day and welcomes all.
Self-Help for the Elderly
This organization provides food support for residents of specific zip codes: 94116, 94122, or 94132.
Bayanihan Equity Center
The Bayanihan Equity Center supports San Francisco residents, older adults (60+), and people with disabilities.
Booker T. Washington
Booker T. Washington serves residents of zip codes 94117, 94115, or 94102 who have a child in an after-school program.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program
This federal program provides a monthly box of nutritious USDA food to low-income seniors, mothers, and children in San Francisco.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
WIC is a program that helps pregnant mothers and those with children under 5 obtain extra food for themselves and their kids.
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CalFresh and other government programs
CalFresh is a nutrition assistance program for individuals and families in San Francisco. Previously known as the Food Stamp Program, it is a government initiative designed to eliminate hunger and improve health by providing funds for a nutritious diet. Benefits are deposited monthly onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used like a debit card at grocery stores, farmers' markets, and dozens of restaurants across the city. The program is open to low-income households and individuals, including the homeless, students, and legal permanent residents.
The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is another resource for free food in San Francisco. It provides free meals and groceries to those in need, regardless of their immigration status. The food bank offers close to 300 weekly food pantries across the Bay and also provides home-delivered groceries for seniors and adults with disabilities. They also offer a Supplemental Food Program that provides monthly boxes of USDA food to low-income seniors.
In addition to these programs, there are various other organizations in San Francisco that provide free food to those in need. These include Refettorio San Francisco (Farming Hope), Self-Help for the Elderly, The Richmond Neighborhood Center, Glide Foundation, and Mother Brown's Dining Room. Each of these organizations has specific eligibility requirements, such as proof of address in certain zip codes or residency in specific neighbourhoods.
For individuals leaving jails and prisons, the Reentry Council of the City and County of San Francisco has created a guide called "Getting Out & Staying Out," which provides information on accessing various services, including food assistance. This guide is available online and in hard copy.
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Volunteering at food banks
San Francisco has a variety of food banks and pantries that help feed the community. These include the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank, Mission Food Hub, Groceries for Seniors, and The Food Pantry.
- Warehouse support: Many food banks need help with sorting and organizing donations, stocking shelves, and creating food packages. This role may also involve lifting and carrying boxes, so a moderate level of physical fitness is required.
- Community outreach: Volunteers can assist in distributing food to those in need. This may involve setting up mobile food pantries, delivering groceries to seniors or disabled individuals, or helping to serve meals at soup kitchens or community centres.
- Administrative tasks: Food banks also require help with administrative and clerical work, such as answering phones, data entry, and managing inventory. These tasks are crucial in ensuring the smooth operation of the food bank.
- Fundraising and events: Volunteers can contribute to fundraising efforts, which may include organizing and promoting events, applying for grants, or reaching out to potential donors. This helps to ensure the food bank has the financial resources it needs to operate.
- Specialist skills: If you have a specific skill set, such as marketing, IT, or accounting, you can offer your services to the food bank. These skills can help the organization run more efficiently and effectively, and they will greatly appreciate your expertise.
Food banks in San Francisco rely heavily on volunteers to sustain their operations and feed those in need. By donating your time and energy, you can make a direct impact on your community and help ensure that everyone has access to this basic human right.
If you are interested in volunteering, you can reach out to the food bank of your choice to inquire about their specific needs and volunteer opportunities. They will be able to provide you with more detailed information on how you can get involved and make a difference.
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Food bank donations
Food banks in San Francisco are facing an unprecedented need for donations and deliveries. The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank is committed to serving residents regardless of their immigration status or identity. The Food Bank can help you find free food resources in San Francisco and Marin, with free food available at close to 300 weekly food pantries around the Bay.
The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank provides two meals for every dollar donated. This equates to four nourishing meals for kids and families facing hunger. You can donate by signing up for the Monthly Giving Circle, where you can join a group of dedicated supporters committed to ending hunger in the community. You can also donate stock and mutual fund shares, as well as non-perishable food items.
The JFCS Food Bank is another organisation in San Francisco that accepts food donations. They have a number of locations across the Bay Area and are open Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. You can donate non-perishable food items in person or order via online delivery services such as Amazon, Instacart, Target, or Safeway. You can also purchase grocery store gift cards and send them to the JFCS Food Bank.
Additionally, there are various other free food locations in San Francisco where you can donate food or funds directly. These include Refettorio San Francisco (Farming Hope), Self-Help for the Elderly, The Richmond Neighborhood Center, Glide Foundation, and Mother Brown's Dining Room.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are several food banks in San Francisco. The SF-Marin Food Bank is one of the largest and also provides access to free food resources in close to 300 weekly food pantries around the Bay.
Some of the food banks in San Francisco include:
- San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
- Mission Food Hub
- Groceries for Seniors
- Tri City Volunteers
- Free Food Fridge
- Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
- Food Runners Dispatch Line
- The Food Pantry
- Mother Brown's Dining Room
The requirements vary for different food banks in San Francisco. Some food banks serve specific zip codes or neighbourhoods, while others have income or demographic requirements. It is always best to check with the food bank directly before visiting.
You can support food banks in San Francisco by donating funds or volunteering your time. Food banks such as the SF-Marin Food Bank and The Food Pantry rely heavily on donations and volunteers to sustain their operations and meet the needs of the community.











































