This page will no longer be updated as of 1/14/2021.
Please join us on our Food Assistance Resources Page for up-to-date info.
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) info updated 1/14/2021 3:35 pm
Finding Food Assistance During COVID-19
Find the program that’s best for you and learn about changes to assistance you already receive.
San Diego’s nonprofit sector is working hard to make sure that everyone has the healthcare they need, enough to eat, and the information required to make it through the COVID-19 pandemic with as little discomfort and distress as possible.
San Diego Hunger Coalition is carefully monitoring the situation and is gathering resources and information for you. Check back regularly as this page will be continuously updated as information becomes available.
School Meals
Updated 12/10/2020
Keep our kids fed with grab-and-go meals while schools are closed. Site info for families, resources for providers.
COVID Policy & Legislation
Updated 11/04/2020
New policies and legislation to help us through the current crisis are coming out of our capitols at a rapid pace. San Diego Hunger Coalition is monitoring and reporting so that you can stay informed.
Women, Infants, & Children (WIC)
Updated 7/1/2020
Apply for WIC, get assistance, or learn about program changes.
Senior Meals
Updated 7/6/2020
Food assistance for older adults is still available during the coronavirus scare. Find a provider near you and get info on the Great Plates Delivered Program.
CalFresh (SNAP)
Updated 11/09/2020
Apply for CalFresh food assistance to get money for groceries during COVID-19. Get updates on program changes.
Food Distributions & Pantries
Updated 9/23/2020
Get the latest updates on food distribution sites and changes to policies. Regularly updated with latest places to find food.
How to Help
Updated 5/05/2020
We need each other more than ever during this tough time. There are three ways that you can help during COVID-19.
Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT)
Updated 1/14/2021
Extra money for groceries for students enrolled in free or reduced-price school meals. The first round has been extended with new money available to those who previously received P-EBT.
KUSI Interview: Getting food assistance when you need it.
Uploaded 9/04/2020
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, please don't hesitate. It's okay to ask for help, we’re in this together.
To start receiving alerts and updates from the County of San Diego’s COVID-19 text alert system,
please text:
COSD COVID19 to 468-311
Download printable food assistance flyer
If you need assistance replacing or activating your child’s P-EBT card, please call 866-262-9881.
Farmers Markets
A handful of farmers markets remain open around San Diego County. This is a great way to get fresh produce, meat, and dairy while supporting local business. Many farmers markets accept EBT. Here is a list of markets that are currently open to the public:
You may also purchase directly from local farmers. Please contact farmers directly to arrange for purchase and pickup/delivery. The Farm Bureau of San Diego County provides a great list of farms and contact info.
Updates
For the most up-to-date information on available food resources, please call 2-1-1.
For continuously updated information on Coronavirus (COVID-19) in San Diego County, please go the the County of San Diego’s dedicated web page.
UPDATE - October 26, 2020 - Due to the wildfires and effective immediately, all approved retailers in San Diego County are authorized to accept CalFresh/SNAP payment for hot foods and foods meant to be consumed on the premises. This means that all CalFresh recipients may use their EBT cards to purchase hot prepared foods at participating grocery retailers and restaurants.
9/23/2020: The United States House of Representatives has pass a bi-partisan continuing resolution that does several things to fight hunger during COVID-19:
Extends the Pandemic-EBT (P-EBT) program that provides additional money for groceries for children who are eligible and enrolled in the Free or Reduced Price School Meals Program.
Gives the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) the authority to extend certain policies and waivers that make it easier for schools to safely serve meals to every child during the pandemic.
Gives the USDA the authority to extend certain policies and waivers that make it easier for Americans to enroll in SNAP/CalFresh.
These extensions will be in effect through the end of the Federal Fiscal Year 2021. The authorities given to the USDA do not automatically extend the policies and waivers in question, it merely gives the department the ability to do so. Learn more at https://frac.org/news/hr-cr-hunger.
Please note: This bill must still pass through the Senate and be signed by the President prior to going into effect. Political experts believe this is very likely. We will update you here as the continuing resolution moves forward.
9/23/2020: The County of San Diego has approved a new round of Emergency Rental Assistance for those experiencing financial hardships due to loss of employment our hours due to COVID-19 or medical-related hardships due to the pandemic. Applications are open from September 24, 2020 through October 8, 2020 and eligible applicants will be selected on a lottery basis. More information is available at www.SDHCD.org.
9/3/2020: If you’re a small business looking for resources to reopen following the COVID-19 shutdown, chamberofcommerce.org has a great Coronavirus Small Business Guide.
8/26/2020: Do you need help replacing your P-EBT card or activating your P-EBT PIN number?
You can call the County’s Access Line: 866-262-9881
This service will be available on-going.
6/9/2020: Disaster Relief Assistance for Immigrants (DRAI) is financial assistance for qualifying undocumented residents. Individuals may receive a one-time $500 payment, $1,000 maximum per household. Jewish Family Services is providing DRAI application assistance to all of San Diego and Imperial Counties. Applications may only be done over the phone.
Undocumented residents may call the Jewish Family Services call center seven days a week from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm at (858) 206-8281.
Important facts:
There is no online application. Applicants must speak to a live Jewish Family Services representative at (858) 206-8281.
Applications will be accepted and funds distributed until the funding is spent or until June 30, 2020 at the latest.
The deadline to apply is
June 30, 2020.
4/24/2020: The County of San Diego has issued a mandatory order for everyone to wear face coverings at all times while in public and within 6 feet of non-household members. The County has previously issued an order to require employees of essential businesses who interact with the public to wear face coverings. This order extends mandatory face coverings to everyone within San Diego County boundaries. This order goes into effect May 1, 2020.
4/7/2020: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has recently announced that anyone seeking treatment, testing, or preventative care for COVID-19, even if provided through Medicare, will not have it counted against them as a public charge.
4/6/2020: The County of San Diego now recommends that all residents wear face masks when out-of-doors on essential errands to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Face masks for purchase are hard to come by, but there are many ways to make them at home, many without the need to sew! Here is a list of 15 patterns to make your own face masks at home.
Face masks are not 100% protection from contamination, and homemade masks are less so. Please observe proper social distancing and disinfecting at all times for your safety.
4/3/2020: Via International Rescue Committee Immigration Services: Free remote DACA renewal assistance is now available by Department of Justice accredited representatives. You can schedule an appointment by calling (619) 389-8723 or emailing immigration.sd@rescue.org. Download the info flyer for more details.
3/27/2020: The Coronavirus, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law by the President today. This bill will provide over $2 trillion to support Americans and the response for COVID-19. You can find more information on our COVID-19 Legislation and Stimulus page.
Resources
San Diego Hunger Coalition Developed Resources
Partner Resources
Additional Support Resources
