By Genoa Barrow | OBSERVER Senior Staff Writer
Good food is becoming harder and harder to secure for many, but area residents who are hungry but struggling to afford food have a number of options. Local churches, organizations and agencies hold regular food giveaways throughout the region. Each has its own rules for eligibility, but many require photo ID and proof of address. The OBSERVER has created a brief list.
Daughters of Enterpryz Food and Clothes Closet holds drive-up distribution 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays at This Is Pentecost Fellowship Ministries, 6489 47th St. On-site registration available. More: 916-422-3875 or dozenterpryz.org.
Shiloh Baptist Church’s food pantry provides supplemental groceries to individuals and families in need of assistance from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Mondays at the church, 3565 9th Ave. More: 916-664-3850.
The Neighbor Program distributes food from 11 a.m.-noon Mondays and Fridays at its Shakur Center For Health and Wellness, 3230 Broadway. There are also food giveaways on Tuesdays in North Highlands and Wednesdays at the Seavey Circle (Marina Vista) housing complex. More: neighborprogram.org or sacneighbor916@gmail.com.
The River City Food Bank has emergency food distribution sites in Midtown and Arden-Arcade to help Sacramento County residents avoid food crises. Services include a three-day supply of nutritionally balanced food. Families with small children can also receive non-food items such as diapers, baby food and formula. Adults must show identification (with a birth date) for all dependent children. Operates from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursday at 1800 28th St. and 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays at St. Matthew’s, 2300 Edison Ave. More: 916-446-2627 or rivercityfoodbank.org.
South Sacramento Christian Center partners with the Sacramento Food Bank to provide free groceries for families via a contactless drive-through distribution from 8:30-10 a.m. Saturdays at 7710 Stockton Blvd. More: 916-502-1219.
The South Sacramento Interfaith Partnership Food Closet is open to all 9-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday at 5625 24th St. The line may close at 11:15 a.m. to serve everyone by 11:30 a.m. Additional food distribution for low-income seniors through the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services. Eligible seniors can receive a box of groceries on the fourth Monday monthly at the south parking lot. Proof of identity, age and address required. More: 916-428-5290 or ssipfoodcloset.org.
One in three persons in the Meadowview area live at or below the poverty line. New Hope Community Church of Sacramento and Lifepoint Christian Church team up for “The Gift of Groceries” every Thursday, providing recipients with enough food for four people. A short inspirational message and prayer is given prior to every food distribution. Participants can receive groceries at 1821 Meadowview Road by signing up and receiving a numbered ticket from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.. Distribution begins at 1 p.m. and pick-up times are listed on the ticket. More: newhopemeadowview.com/receive-food.
Progressive Church of God in Christ’s mission department ministry food distribution provides food items to households experiencing food insecurity during a drive-through distribution 11:30-1 p.m. Mondays at 2251 Meadowview Road. More: 916-391-8297.
The Antioch Progressive Church food program provides supplemental nutritional needs from 9 a.m.-noon Tuesdays. Clients must first register and sign in before obtaining a number beginning at 9 a.m. The church is located at 7650 Amherst St. More: 916-665-2600.
Senior Gleaners offers food to older adults from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays at New St. Bethel Baptist Church, 4201 Eighth Ave. More: 916-456-3077.
Love Is the Answer Mission Ministries hosts a free food distribution from 5-6 p.m. first and third Mondays at 1104 Corporate Way. No sign-up required.
Capital City Seventh Day Adventist Church’s food pantry is open 1:30-3 p.m. Tuesdays at 6701 Lemon Hill Ave. For eligibility, call 916-381-5353.
The Orangevale-Fair Oaks Food Bank offers free food to Orangevale, Fair Oaks, Folsom, and Citrus Heights residents in ZIP codes 95662, 95628, 95630, 95610, and 95621. Visitors are welcome to come twice monthly, once between the first and 15th and again from the 16th to the end of the month, and receive groceries based on family size. Remember to mention food allergies and dietary restrictions, as they may be able to accommodate. Distribution hours are 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Thursdays, and 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fridays at 6483 Main Ave., Orangevale. Those outside of eligible ZIP codes receive a smaller bag (no ID or income verification required). This is primarily a drive-through distribution, but those who arrive on foot or bicycle will be helped. Seniors ages 60 and older may be eligible for additional food once a month. Senior distributions are from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. every second, fourth and fifth Monday monthly; 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. every second, fourth and fifth Wednesday; and 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every second, fourth and fifth Thursday and Friday. More: 916-238-8868 or ovfofb.org.
Capital Compassion, the food ministry of Capital Christian Center, offers one bag of food per household monthly at its warehouse at 10151 Croydon Way, Suite 3. To receive assistance, complete an online form at ccc.regfox.com/gethelp or text “Get Help” to 916-884-5756.
Editor’s note: If you have a free food program for the community that you’d like to see listed in The OBSERVER, email OBSERVER Senior Staff Writer Genoa Barrow at genoa.barrow@sacobserver.com.
This article is part of OBSERVER Senior Staff Writer Genoa Barrow’s four-part series, “Hunger Pains,” focusing on food insecurity in the Black community. The series is being supported by the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism and is part of “Healing California,” a yearlong reporting Ethnic Media Collaborative venture with print, online and broadcast outlets across California. The OBSERVER is among the collaborative’s inaugural participants.
