With the ongoing federal government shutdown, many families are feeling the effects of paused SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) benefits. At Koinonia, we know how vital these programs are for keeping families nourished and stable — and we want to make sure our community members know where to find help during this time.
Below are several trusted resources available to individuals and families in California and Nevada who may need food, supplies, or financial support.
1. The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
TEFAP is a federal program that provides free emergency food assistance to low-income individuals and families. Unlike SNAP and WIC, TEFAP remains fully funded and operational during the shutdown.
Eligible households can receive:
- Groceries to take home through local food pantries; or
- Prepared meals at community sites such as soup kitchens.
The TEFAP program works with food banks throughout California and Nevada to provide USDA food commodities to qualifying individuals and families in every county. There is no need to ‘apply’ or complete an application for this program, as the program is based on attending and self-certifying eligibility at a TEFAP distribution site. Food distributions of USDA foods take place at scheduled days and times with various food banks and pantries throughout the state.
You will need to provide your name and current address, household size, and self-declare that your household income meets the program’s guidelines. You are not required to show proof of income, proof of citizenship or identification.
To find a TEFAP site near you, visit your local food bank directory below:
Or use the Feeding America Food Bank Locator to find additional food pantries in your area.
2. Access to Free or Low-Cost Fresh Produce
Fresh, locally grown food is still available through several urban farms and community gardens:
California:
Nevada:
3. Find Help Near You
Findhelp.org is a free, nationwide resource directory that connects people to local services. By entering your ZIP code, you can access resources for:
- Food and housing assistance
- Health care and prescriptions
- Education, jobs, and legal aid
- Transportation and more
This site also lists the nearest food pantries and food banks with hours of operation and contact details.
4. Follow Trusted Resource Accounts
While social media can be a great way to stay updated, it’s important to rely on accurate sources. One contributor sharing reliable and timely information on food, job, and supply resources during the shutdown is @beverlydines on Instagram.
5. Community Movements and Local Giving
The City of Roseville is hosting a canned and non-perishable food drive from November 12–December 19. Donations can be dropped off at two local collection sites, and participating families will receive a free succulent from Green Acres Nursery & Supply as a thank-you.
Food drive drop-off locations
Utilities Customer Care Center
- Address: 116 S. Grant Street, Roseville
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8am to 5pm
Utility Exploration Center
- Address: 1501 Pleasant Grove Boulevard, Roseville
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 12pm to 4pm
6. Support for Families with Infants
Two national organizations are providing critical resources for families with young children:
- The National Diaper Bank Network (NDBN) – Find a local diaper bank near you.
- Formula Mutual Aid Exchange – A free, nationwide online tool connecting families who need baby formula with donors who have formula to share.
LOCAL RESOURCES BY COMMUNITY:
NORTHERN
Loomis:
feedingthefoothills.org/get-food
Feeding the Foothills offers regular food distribution events for residents across the region. You can find the full schedule here (PDF).
Harvest Community Church
1376 Blue Oaks Blvd., Roseville, CA 95678
Sacramento:
River City Food Bank
1800 28th St, Sacramento, CA
Carmichael Food Closet
Monday-Friday, 10am to 12pm
5645 Marconi Ave, Carmichael, CA 95608
916-483-9232
www.carmichaelpres.org
https://www.sacramentofoodbank.org/find-food
Food Bank of El Dorado County
foodbankedc.org
530-621-9950
CENTRAL
Bakersfield:
Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAP-K)
661-398-4520
Fresno:
Central California Food Bank
ccfoodbank.org
559-237-3663
Madera County Food Bank
www.maderafoodbank.com
559-674-1482
Modesto:
Second Harvest of the Greater Valley
www.localfoodbank.org
209-239-2091
The Resource Connection Food Bank
trcac.org/the-food-bank
209-754-1257
Merced County Food Bank
https://mmcfb.org
209-726-3663
Tehachapi:
Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAP-K)
Visalia:
https://www.211tularecounty.org/food-pantries
Kings Community Action Organization
https://www.kcao.org/food
559-582-4386
SOUTHERN
Gardena/Pasadena:
California State University Dominguez Hills,
Monday – Thursday 9am-1pm & 2pm-6pm & Friday 9am-1pm & 2pm-5pm.
1000 E. Victoria Street, Carson, CA 90747
(310) 243-3600
Our Gardena office will also be doing a food drive December 1-12.
Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
www.lafoodbank.org
323-234-3030
Westside Food Bank
www.westsidefoodbankca.org
310-828-6016
Lancaster/Palmdale:
High Desert Food Collaborative
16666 Smoke Tree St. Bldg. #B4
Hesperia, CA 92345
Email: highdesertfoodcollaborative@gmail.com
442-267-4444
Diaper Distribution
November 4 & 18
1224 East Ave. S, Palmdale, CA 93550
salvaorganization.org
San Bernardino:
CAPSBC Food Bank
678 S Tippecanoe Ave, San Bernardino, CA 92408
Feeding America Riverside San Bernardino
www.feedingamericaie.org
951-359-4757
FIND- Food In Need of Distribution
www.findfoodbank.org
760-775-3663
San Diego:
Jewish Family Services’ Food Distribution.
Call Main Phone Number: 858-637-3210 to access services.
Visit https://feedingsandiego.org/need-help/food-distributions/ for more information.
Email agency at info@feedingsandiego.org
The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
sandiegofoodbank.org
858-527-1419
Tustin:
Orange County Food Bank
ocfoodbank.org
714-897-6670
Second Harvest Food Bank Orange County
www.feedoc.org
949-653-2900
Temecula:
40940 County Center Dr., Temecula, CA 92591
Phone: 951-695-7206
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm, Saturday-Sunday, 9am-5pm
Reno/Sparks, NV
Local food drives are being held across Nevada to support residents affected by the shutdown. Learn more about current events and locations from 2 News.
State leaders continue to advocate for residents impacted by these benefit interruptions. You can read updates from the Governor’s Office and community initiatives here and here.
We’re in This Together
Even in challenging times, communities come together to lift one another up. Koinonia encourages everyone who is able to donate, volunteer, or share resources within their circles. For families who need assistance, please know that help is available — and you’re not alone.
Kaitlin Earnest, Contributor