Where to get food in San Diego during the federal government shutdown

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator Dante Ulanday - News Moderator
Oct 31, 2025 - 21:01
Where to get food in San Diego during the federal government shutdown
Two people sorting pears on a cardboard surface in an industrial setting.
Two people sorting pears on a cardboard surface in an industrial setting.
Volunteers prepare pears for distribution at San Diego Food Bank. (File photo by Zoë Meyers/For inewsource)

With the federal government shutdown set to delay CalFresh (SNAP) benefits, nearly 400,000 San Diegans in about 240,000 households will see a pause in their November payments.

More than 63% of California’s SNAP participants are children or seniors.

Though two federal judges on Friday ordered President Donald Trump’s administration to access emergency funds to cover some benefits, payments still will be delayed, according to the Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. Recipients will see at least reduced benefits, regardless, further increasing demand on local charities.

Local food banks and nonprofits are mobilized to make sure no one goes hungry with distributions taking place as soon as Saturday. But that response is coming at a steep price, food bank officials said.

“We anticipate an initial financial impact of $1.5 million to purchase the food needed to meet this demand, with weekly costs ranging from $100,000 to over $300,000 as we scale our response and maintain a sufficient food supply,” the officials said in a Friday statement.

Multiple resources are available right now — no questions asked.

Important information and contacts

  • CalFresh/EBT reload delay: Saturday
  • Check your remaining EBT balance: Call the number on the back of your card. Beneficiaries can still use any remaining balance on their cards.
  • County Customer Service Center: 1-866-262-9881 (open Saturday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.)
  • Updates on benefits: sdcounty.gov/calfresh | benefitscal.com
  • Immediate help locating food: Call 211 or visit 211sandiego.org. 211 is available 24/7 in 200-plus languages and maintains up-to-date information on local food resources.

Feeding San Diego

Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank (San Diego Food Bank)

Jewish Family Service of San Diego (JFS)

The Salvation Army San Diego County

  • Multiple food pantry locations
  • Website: sandiego.salvationarmy.org/san_diego2/food-pantries
  • Locations include:
    • Centre City: 825 7th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 | 619-699-2219
    • Chula Vista: 648 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910 | 619-422-7027
    • Escondido: 1301 Las Villas Way, Escondido, CA 92026 | 760-745-8613

Tips for getting help

  • Bring a reusable bag and check distribution times before going
  • Most sites are open to everyone — no ID or proof of income required
  • Families, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are eligible
  • Arrive early; demand rises sharply during benefit delays
  • Use emergency food distributions (TEFAP) or local pantries — many allow self-certification
  • Search online maps for free food distributions by ZIP code
  • California has deployed the National Guard to assist food banks in meeting increased demand

Additional options for SNAP recipients

Some apps and delivery services offer discounts or special programs for SNAP/EBT users, helping stretch remaining benefits or purchase groceries. Examples include DoorDash, Instacart, and GoPuff, which provide occasional SNAP-specific deals or credits. Check each app’s website or settings to see current offers available in your area.

Updated 3:20 p.m. Oct. 31, 2025

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