As the federal government shutdown continues, many Californians who rely on CalFresh to buy groceries may experience delays in their November benefits.
The State of California is working to keep families informed and connected to resources. If your household is affected, the following local food banks and community organizations are providing free groceries, meals and support for Los Angeles residents.
Note: Each organization may have its own eligibility requirements or documentation policies. Please contact them directly to confirm hours, availability and necessary identification or forms.
Find a Local Food Bank
Our community has food pantries that can help. Find the closest to you below.
Need Immediate Assistance?
You may also dial 2-11 to speak with someone about services available in your area.
2-11 is a free, 24/7 service available to all Los Angeles County residents.
City of Los Angeles Services
- FamilySource Centers operated by the Community Investment for Families Department provide weekly food distribution for low-income individuals and families regardless of immigration status. Find a center near you below.
- The Department of Aging provides a senior meal program. If you are a senior citizen over the age of 60, you may be eligible for free meals at a local senior center or through home delivery. For Information, call 1-800-510-2020 or email age.webinfo@lacity.org
- LA City Recreation & Parks Senior Citizen Centers continue distributing regular senior meals in coordination with the Department of Aging.
County/State Resources & Other Assistance
- LAUSD Meal Services for Students: California guarantees two free meals daily for all public school students, Monday-Friday. LAUSD also distributes weekend meal kits for Saturday and Sunday through Grab & Go Food Centers. LAUSD’s Family Hotline can be reached at (213) 443-1300.
- LA County Parks & Recreation: The department offers food programs for youth, teens, and seniors.
- L.A. Care Health Plan has committed up to $5.4 million to help ensure families can access food during the federal funding lapse.
- WIC (Women, Infants & Children Program): All California WIC agencies are currently operational. Government employees who are furloughed/working without pay may qualify for WIC, if they are pregnant or have a child under age 5, and are encouraged to apply and get WIC to help with grocery costs, even if it’s only temporary.
- California Association of Food Banks, the organization that represents 42 food banks throughout the state will continue to operate.
- YMCA FeedLA is expanding distribution dates and times to meet the needs for families losing CalFresh benefits.
- DoorDash, a food delivery platform, plans to deliver 1 million meals for 300+ Project DASH partners nationwide, waiving delivery and service fees for 300,000 SNAP recipient grocery orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are November CalFresh benefits delayed?
The federal government is currently shut down. Until Congress and the White House reach an agreement, federal funds supporting CalFresh cannot be released.
Can I still use my EBT card?
Yes. You can continue using your EBT card with any remaining benefits as usual.
Do I need to reapply or submit forms again?
No. Keep submitting your regular forms, like your SAR 7 or recertification, as you normally would. There may be processing delays, but your paperwork will stay on file.
Can I apply for CalFresh during the shutdown?
Yes. You can still apply online at BenefitsCal.com, by phone at 1-877-847-3663, or in person at your local county social services office, which remains open.
Will requesting a hearing restart my benefits?
No. Hearings cannot restart or speed up CalFresh payments while federal funding is paused.
Are CalWORKs benefits affected?
CalWORKs benefits are expected to continue through November. If the shutdown lasts into December, those benefits could also be delayed.
Where can I find food right now?
You can visit a local food bank or community pantry for free groceries and meals. Find locations on this page or statewide at cafoodbanks.org/find-food.
For the latest updates, please visit the California Department of Social Services website.