How to Find Food Banks in California
With the country in a recession we can all use the extra help a food bank provides.
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Things You'll Need
- Internet
- Phone
- Current proof of income
- Current utility bill or other proof of residency.
Instructions
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Your first step is to gather proof of your income for the most current month. For example,if you get paid weekly you will need the last 4 check stubs or a letter from your employer stating how much you made in the last month. If you get Social Security income then you would need your award letter. Not all food banks require proof of income but some do and some just ask what your income is and don't require you to prove it. You will almost always need proof of residency. Don't mistake the word "residency" for meaning only "a residence" or home. Residency simply means to prove where you mainly stay. If you are homeless or living from place to place they will take other evidence in lieu of a utility bill or rent receipt.
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The best place to start is your church. You can next try the California Association of Food Banks here http://www.cafoodbanks.org/find.htm
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There are other programs that you can sign up for to get food. One of these such programs is called SHARE(Self Help and Resource Exchange). With the share food program you will volunteer for a certain number of yours per month in order to get a discount off the food available to the program. You will find programs specifically for children as well. The free and reduced school lunch program is very helpful and you can find more information and income limits here http://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/sh/sn/ and it includes a summer program at a local park as well. There also programs for the elderly and disabled like the Brown Bag Program and Meals on Wheels. You can find information on these programs and many more here http://www.cafoodbanks.org/programs.htm
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Some of the other good food banks are Second Harvest, The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and Food Bank of Southern California. There websites are listed in the resources below.
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Tips & Warnings
Whenever you are not in need add a couple of extra food items to your cart and drop them at your local food bank.
Some food banks only allow you to get food from them 1 time per month.
