Food Assistance Resources

CalFresh, California’s version of the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), helps eligible individuals and families purchase healthy food each month. Benefits are provided through an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card and can be used at most grocery stores, markets, and participating retailers.

CalFresh can help families stretch their food budget and provide access to nutritious meals for children and adults. Eligibility is based on household size, income, and other factors. Many working families, students, and individuals may qualify.

For more information about CalFresh benefits, eligibility, and services, click here.
To apply for CalFresh benefits, click here!

WIC is a nutrition program that supports pregnant individuals, new parents, infants, and children under the age of five. Eligible families can receive:

• Healthy food benefits
• Nutrition education
• Breastfeeding support
• Referrals to healthcare and community services

WIC benefits can help families purchase nutritious foods such as milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, cereal, baby food, and more.

For more information about WIC services and eligibility, click here.
To apply to WIC click here.  (Women, Infant, and Children). 

SUN Bucks is a federal summer food assistance program that helps families buy groceries for school-aged children during the summer months when school meals may not be available. Eligible children receive food benefits on an EBT card that can be used at participating grocery stores and markets.

Families can use SUN Bucks benefits to purchase healthy foods such as:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Milk and dairy products
• Bread and cereals
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Other eligible grocery items

Many children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or other assistance programs may automatically qualify for SUN Bucks.

For more information about eligibility, benefits, and how the program works, visit California SUN Bucks Program.

This summer, Sweetwater Union High School District is proud to offer free nutritious meals to all children 18 years of age and younger through the Seamless Summer Feeding Program. Families are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to keep children healthy, active, and nourished while school is out during summer break. 

No applications, paperwork, or registration are required — just visit one of our participating meal locations during scheduled serving times. We welcome all families in our community to join us for healthy meals all summer long.

If your family needs extra food support beyond school meal programs, there are many community food resources available throughout San Diego County. Local organizations provide free groceries, fresh produce, and emergency food assistance to help support families in need.

Families can access San Diego Food Bank or Feeding San Diego.

• Free grocery distributions
• Fresh produce programs
• Emergency food assistance
• Community food pantries
• Meal support for children and seniors

Visit Feeding San Diego Food Finder to search for nearby food assistance locations and distribution events. You can also use the San Diego Food Bank network to find additional pantry sites and emergency food support across the county: San Diego Food Bank Get Help

If you need immediate food support, there are several free and confidential resources available to help you right away. These services can connect you with local food pantries, emergency meals, and community assistance programs near you.

You can:

• Call 2-1-1 San Diego or visit 211 San Diego for local food and emergency resources. 211 San Diego can help families find:
• Search for nearby food assistance through FindHelp.org or FreeFood.org
• Call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (Spanish line), available Monday–Friday, 4:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. PST

• Emergency food and grocery assistance
• Food pantries and meal programs
• CalFresh and WIC support
• Housing and utility assistance
• Healthcare and mental health services
• Family and community support programs