If you need food and are looking for food pantries in Orange County, CA, we’ve put together the following list of 10 for your reference.
1. Families Forward Food Pantry
Families Forward in Irvine, California, was started in 1984 as an effort to tackle homelessness in the area. Their food pantry is open Mondy through Thursday to provide weekly food distribution and monthly diaper allotments to registered families with ID living in the Orange County area.
The pantry provides nonperishable food items, such as boxed pasta or rice and canned goods, to families, individuals, and couples. Perishable items and baby food may sometimes be available depending on supplies on hand at time of pickup.
You can volunteer, donate or get in touch with the pantry to learn more.
2. Serve the People Food Pantry
Serve the People began as a grassroots effort by members of a Santa Ana Hispanic church. In 2008, they began bagging food in a borrowed warehouse and gave it out in their church parking lot. Since that time, they have expanded to several warehouse of their own.
In addition to other community and health services, Serve the People includes a food pantry twice per month. Recipients can register for a free bag of groceries that includes nonperishables plus fruit, vegetables, baby food, diapers and other personal or household items as available.
You can donate or volunteer to help out. Reach out to discover more.
3. Laguna Food Pantry
This Laguna Beach pantry began as a community effort after the 1993 fires decimated the area. After the immediate crisis had passed, the efforts continued to help those within their community who still required food assistance. It eventually became what is now the Laguna Food Pantry.
Fresh and shelf stable food is available for free with ID to all in need. There are no residency or financial requirements. The pantry is open five days a week with no appointment to pick up food for your family, friends or neighbors or get help applying for the CalFresh EBT card.
Volunteers and donations are always welcome. Contact this pantry for more information.
4. The First Presbyterian Church of Orange Food Pantry
The First Presbyterian Church of Orange in downtown Orange, California, has been a part of the community since 1874. The church operates a food pantry as part of their community outreach program. Distribution is open to all in need, regardless of income or location.
The pantry is open on Wednesdays to provide food bags containing nonperishable items to all who request them. Due to excessive need, they also offer a second distribution on Sundays after church services. Both are held in their fellowship hall.
You can support the church’s mission by volunteering or making a donation. Contact a member of staff to find out more.
5. Saint Norbert Catholic Church Food Distribution
The Christian Service Program at Saint Norbert Catholic Church in Orange, California, seeks to ease the suffering caused by food poverty by providing a food distribution pantry one Saturday per month. There are no requirements to meet in order to receive food.
Each distribution consists of nonperishable foods, along with eggs, milk, fresh vegetables and fruits and bread. Their food outreach program is supported by financial contributions to the church and donations of food from the community.
Get involved with a donation or by volunteering your help. Email the church with any questions.
6. South County Outreach Food Market
The South County Outreach in Irvine, California, began more than 30 years ago as the Saddleback Community Outreach with a mission of ending homelessness and hunger in Orange County. Each year, they distribute over 350 tons of food to more than 1500 residents.
The food market is set up like any normal market, allowing recipients to select the items they prefer from the shelves at no cost. In order to shop, all members of the family must be registered to establish the quantity of food provided based on size of household and income.
Volunteer or donate to this program or get in touch to learn more.
7. Share Ourselves Food Pantry
Share Ourselves in Costa Mesa, California, serves to protect the health of Orange County residents. They provide services to the homeless and financially challenged individuals, couples, and families who require supplemental nutrition.
The food pantry collects donations from individuals, restaurants, markets, and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County and repackages them into bags for recipients. They are open Monday-Friday to provide meats, dairy items, fresh produce, breads, and canned goods.
You can donate or volunteer to this food pantry. Get in touch to get more information.
8. HUB of Hope
Hub of Hope in Fullerton, California is provided by Pathways of Hope, a charity fighting poverty in Orange County for over five decades. In addition to other community resources, they offer emergency food assistance free for anyone, regardless of residency or income.
The Hub of Hope is open to distribute food Monday through Friday mornings to provide non-perishable food items and items for personal hygiene three times each month. They also provide clothing vouchers twice per month to those who require them.
Anyone wanting to get involved can volunteer or donate online. Learn more by contacting staff.
9. The Heart of Downtown Food Co-Op
The Heart of Downtown Food Co-Op in downtown Fullerton, California, is a food pantry funded by the Wilshire Avenue Community Church. The efforts of this church to fight food insecurity are supported by the generous donations from businesses and individuals in Orange County.
An assortment of canned, frozen, and dried goods, along with produce and dairy items are distributed every other Sunday of each month after church services have concluded. Recipients can co-op in exchange for groceries by assisting with distribution.
Get involved with a donation or volunteering your time. Contact the church with inquiries.
10. Sunday Supper
Are you looking for a hot meal in Tustin, California? Visit Sunday Supper at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for a nice dinner and several hours of company with church members and visiting participants. This weekly dinner has been provided for more than a decade.
In addition to supper, those in need will be given a bag containing a variety of groceries and personal hygiene products. The items given depend on donations received and purchases made by St. Paul’s and other local churches who support the community food program.
Donate, volunteer, or call for more info if you’d like to be a part of the solution to food insecurity.
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