When CalFresh/SNAP is delayed or your budget is tight, you can still get groceries today. This how-to shows you the fastest path: use your county’s one-click pantry locator first, then call the site (or a food bank helpline) to confirm hours. If you cannot get online, dial 211 for live, multilingual referrals. All links below go directly to maps, lists, or helpline pages so you can act immediately.
Step 1: Start with Your County’s Pantry Finder
Open the pantry map or list for your county and search by address, city, or ZIP. These tools show nearby pantries, distribution days, and basic eligibility.
Tip: Distribution times change. After you find a site, proceed to Step 2 to confirm today’s schedule.
Step 2: Call to Confirm Today’s Hours and Requirements
Use the phone number listed on the site or contact the food bank to verify hours, ID (if any), and what to bring (e.g., bags or cart).
- SF-Marin Food Bank Helplines: 415-824-3663 (FOOD) or 415-282-1900; email help@sfmfoodbank.org
- Alameda County Community Food Bank Helpline: 510-635-3663 (Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm)
- Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano Helpline: 855-309-3663 (FOOD)
Tip: If a site is full or closed, ask the helpline for the next nearest option today.
Step 3: If You’re Offline, Use 211 for Live Referrals
Dial 211 for real-time help finding open food distributions near you. 211 provides multilingual support and can text or read out addresses and times.
- 211 Bay Area Crisis Center (United Way): Dial 211 (24/7)
- Alameda: Dial 211 or text your ZIP to 898211 (Mon–Fri, 9am–4pm)
Tip: Tell the specialist your nearest intersection and any mobility limits so they can route you to the closest open site.
Step 4: Plan Your Trip and Bring the Basics
After confirming hours, plan transportation and bring reusable bags or a small cart. Arrive a little early and keep your phone handy in case the line manager shares updates. If anything changes, call the helpline back for a same-day alternative.
Fast Access to Groceries Is One Click or One Call Away
- Open your county pantry finder and pick a site.
- Call to confirm today’s hours.
- If you can’t get online, dial 211 for live directions.
- Go—bring bags and arrive early.
Links to Additional Content
- SF & Marin Pantry Map: https://foodlocator.sfmfoodbank.org/
- Alameda FoodNow + Helpline: https://www.foodnow.net/find-a-food-pantry/
- Contra Costa & Solano City Lists: https://www.foodbankccs.org/find-food/foodbycity/
- 211 Bay Area (overview): https://uwba.org/what-we-do/211-bay-area/
- Alameda 211: https://edenir.org/2-1-1-alameda-county/
- Contra Costa 211: https://www.crisis-center.org/
- Solano 211 Search: https://211bayarea.org/search
- SF-Marin Contact/Help: https://www.sfmfoodbank.org/contact-us/
Open your county’s pantry finder now, then call to confirm today’s hours. If you’re offline, dial 211 for immediate, multilingual referrals.
Food bank helplines and 211 referrals are free. Ask helplines about same-day alternatives if a site is full, and request language support if needed.