Global Major Cities Guide

Information on food assistance programs such as food stamps and local food banks available in the city.

Sections

1. Federal and State Food Assistance Programs

a. CalFresh (California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP)

CalFresh provides monthly financial assistance to purchase groceries through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card at participating grocery stores and farmers' markets.

Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a California resident.
- Income must fall below certain limits (e.g., for a household of 1, the gross monthly income limit is $2,266 as of 2023).
- U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or certain qualified non-citizens (e.g., refugees, asylees) are eligible. Some undocumented immigrants may qualify if they have U.S.-born children.
- Students, seniors, and people with disabilities may have additional eligibility considerations.
Costs:
- Free to apply. Benefits are provided based on income and household size.
How to Apply:
- Online: Apply at GetCalFresh.org.
- In-person: Visit the San Francisco Human Services Agency (HSA) office at 1235 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.
- By phone: Call (415) 558-4700 for assistance.
- Required documents: Proof of identity, income, residency, and expenses (e.g., rent, utilities).
Additional Notes:
- CalFresh benefits can be used at grocery stores, supermarkets, and farmers' markets. Many farmers' markets in San Francisco offer a "Market Match" program, doubling the value of EBT dollars for fresh produce.

b. Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program

WIC provides supplemental food, nutrition education, and support for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5 years old.

Eligibility Requirements:
- Low to moderate income (185% of the federal poverty level or below).
- Must be pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or have children under 5.
- Residency in California is required, but citizenship is not.
Costs:
- Free to eligible participants.
How to Apply:
- Online: Pre-screen and apply at MyFamily.WIC.ca.gov.
- In-person: Visit a local WIC office, such as the San Francisco WIC Program at 30 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 260, San Francisco, CA 94102.
- By phone: Call (415) 575-5788 for assistance.
Additional Notes:
- WIC benefits include vouchers for specific nutritious foods (e.g., milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, baby formula) and breastfeeding support.

2. Local Food Pantries and Meal Programs

San Francisco has a robust network of food pantries and free meal programs operated by nonprofits and community organizations.

a. San Francisco-Marin Food Bank

The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank distributes free groceries through a network of food pantries across the city.

Eligibility Requirements:
- Open to anyone in need; no proof of income or residency is required.
- Some pantries may ask for basic information (e.g., household size).
Costs:
- Free.
How to Access:
- Use the Food Locator tool on their website (sfmfoodbank.org) to find a pantry near you.
- Call (415) 282-1900 for assistance.
Additional Notes:
- Many pantries provide fresh produce, canned goods, and staples like rice and pasta.

b. Glide Memorial Church

Glide is a well-known nonprofit in San Francisco that provides free meals and other services to those in need.

Services Offered:
- Free daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
- Hot meals are served on a first-come, first-served basis.
Location:
- 330 Ellis Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.
Costs:
- Free.
Additional Notes:
- Glide also offers other support services, including housing assistance, healthcare, and counseling.

c. St. Anthony’s Dining Room

St. Anthony’s provides free meals to individuals and families in need.

Services Offered:
- Hot meals served daily.
Location:
- 121 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102.
Costs:
- Free.
Additional Notes:
- St. Anthony’s also offers clothing, medical care, and social services.

d. Project Open Hand

Project Open Hand provides nutritious meals and groceries to seniors and people with serious illnesses.

Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be a senior (60+) or have a qualifying medical condition (e.g., HIV/AIDS, diabetes, cancer).
- Income limits may apply.
Costs:
- Free or low-cost, depending on income and program.
How to Access:
- Call (415) 447-2300 or visit their website (openhand.org) to learn more.

3. School Meal Programs

San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) provides free meals to all students, regardless of income, through the Universal Meals Program.

Eligibility Requirements:
- Open to all SFUSD students.
Costs:
- Free.
How to Access:
- Meals are served at schools during breakfast and lunch hours.
Additional Notes:
- No application is required, but families are encouraged to complete the Household Income Form to help the district secure funding.

4. Specialized Programs for Immigrants and Undocumented Residents

San Francisco is a sanctuary city, and many food support programs are accessible to immigrants, regardless of documentation status.

a. Mission Food Hub

The Mission Food Hub provides culturally appropriate groceries to Latinx and immigrant families.

Location:
- 701 Alabama Street, San Francisco, CA 94110.
Costs:
- Free.
How to Access:
- Visit during distribution hours or call (415) 206-7747 for more information.

b. La Raza Community Resource Center

La Raza offers food assistance and other support services to immigrant families.

Location:
- 474 Valencia Street, Suite 100, San Francisco, CA 94103.
Costs:
- Free.
How to Access:
- Call (415) 863-0764 to inquire about food distribution schedules.

5. Additional Resources

a. 211 Bay Area

What It Is:
- A free, confidential helpline that connects individuals to food assistance and other social services.
How to Access:
- Dial 211 or visit 211BayArea.org.

b. Meals on Wheels San Francisco

What It Is:
- Delivers meals to homebound seniors and adults with disabilities.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be 60+ or have a disability and be unable to prepare meals.
Costs:
- Free or low-cost, based on income.
How to Access:
- Call (415) 920-1111 or visit mowsf.org.

6. Tips for Navigating Food Support in San Francisco

Language Support: Many organizations offer services in multiple languages, including Spanish, Chinese, and Tagalog.
Documentation: While some programs require proof of income or residency, many food pantries and meal programs do not.
Cultural Considerations: Programs like the Mission Food Hub provide culturally specific foods to meet the dietary needs of diverse communities.

By utilizing these resources, you can access nutritious food and support services in San Francisco. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to local organizations or helplines like 211.