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Emergency Food Assistance Program
Photo courtesy of the Sacramento Bee
This award-winning program provides much-needed emergency food supplies to low- and no-income households and individuals, as well as congregate feeding sites such as soup kitchens. Operated locally by authorized food banks throughout the state, this program distributes commodities donated by the Department of Agriculture and fresh and packaged produce donated by California's food growers, packers and processors. Annually, through its network of 1,500 distribution sites staffed by over 5,000 volunteers, this program distributes 60 million pounds of food to more than 1 million recipients and 1,600 recipient agencies. In addition, over 160 congregate feeding agencies throughout the state use emergency food supplies to prepare and serve more than 350,000 meals each week for California's homeless.
For Whom
Low Income Households & Individuals--Eligibility is based upon household income. Households with an income less than 130 percent of the federally-established poverty guideline are eligible to receive emergency food.
Congregate Feeding Agencies--Non-profit organizations are typically eligible if their primary purpose is to regularly prepare and serve meals to homeless people.
Where To Get Help
Contact the authorized EFAP food distribution agency serving your county. For more information, call (916) 229-3344.
HIGHLIGHTS
- 50 local agencies serve all 58 counties.
- 1,500 sites, staffed by 5,000 volunteers, distribute food to households.
- Over 1 million recipients get more than 60 million pounds of food annually.
- 160+ soup kitchens (now called congregate feeding agencies) serve meals to 35,000 homeless people each day.