Food Assistance
To support you and your loved ones, we’ve compiled a list of trusted food assistance resources available throughout San Diego County. These services offer groceries, prepared meals, fresh produce, and community based support — at no cost or low cost, depending on the program.
UC San Diego Free Food Distribution
In collaboration with the San Diego Food Bank, UC San Diego is now a Neighborhood Distribution Partner! Starting in April 2026, the Basic Needs Center will host a free food distribution on the last Friday of the month from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Open to students, staff, faculty and community members! Distributions will include shelf stable pantry items (e.g., canned goods, pasta) along with fresh seasonal produce.
Attendees are highly encouraged to bring their own reusable grocery bags to carry their items.
Upcoming Distributions:
- Friday, April 24th from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Malk Hall (outside of the new Basic Needs Center)
- Friday, May 29th from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Town Square
- Friday, June 26th from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at Town Square
For any questions, please contact Assistant Director of Food Security Programs, Haley Okamoto at hokamoto@ucsd.edu
Interested in Volunteering?
If you are interested in helping the food distribution, sign up to volunteer at bit.ly/UCSDFoodVolunteerSan Diego Food Pantries & Community Programs
- We All We Got SD – Mutual aid network offering community food support.
- More Than Apples – Weekly grocery boxes and fresh produce rescues.
- Foodshed Cooperative – Affordable produce and local farm partnerships.
- Porchlight Community Services – Choice based food assistance focused on sustainability.
Countywide & Government Services
- Feeding San Diego – Search by zip code to see food distributions and community partners in your area.
- San Diego Food Bank – Emergency groceries and partner pantry locations.
- 2-1-1 San Diego – Central directory for emergency groceries, CalFresh support, senior meals, and more.
