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In the heart of California’s Central Valley, where almond orchards stretch to the horizon, a quiet crisis persists. About 1 in 9 Stanislaus County residents faces food insecurity, meaning roughly 60,000 neighbors, friends, and family members worry about where their next meal will come from.
Yet amid this challenge, a network of local food pantries and meal programs quietly fills the gaps. These organizations provide not just food, but dignity and support to people who need it most.
How to Find Local Help
Before listing specific pantries, here are a few key resources that can help you find find food:
Stanislaus County Health Services Agency Family Resource Guide – An an online tool to locate local food assistance, providing a direct way for residents to find nutritional support in the area.
Mobile Fresh - Second Harvest of the Greater Valley
Phone: (209) 239-2091
Location: see online calendar for dates and sites of delivery
The Mobile Fresh program provides fresh produce and assorted groceries to individuals, families, and seniors facing barriers to access. Their trucks set up at partner sites, often at local schools or churches, either as walk-up or drive-thru events, ensuring flexibility and efficiency for the participants. This is a barrier free program (no sign-up required). They ask that you be 18 years and older and bring bags or a cart to carry 30-40 pounds of fresh produce and a mix of perishable and non-perishable foods.
Farmer's Markets in Stanislaus County
Kaiser Modesto Farmers Market (open to general public)
Location: 4601 Dale Rd., Modesto 95356
Phone: (415) 996-8179
Distribution Days: Mondays year round from 9:30am - 1:30pm (excluding holidays)
Modesto Certified Farmers' Market
Location: 16th St. between H & I St., Modesto, 95354
Phone: (209) 408-6773
Distribution Days: Saturdays year round, 8am - 1pm; Thursdays beginning in April. Check their online schedule to confirm their days and special
Address: 145 S. Broadway Ave between Main and A, Turlock, 95380
Phone: (209) 595-8527
Distribution Days: Saturdays from March to December, 8:00AM - 1:00PM
Both the Modesto and Turlock Farmers Market accepts EBT (aka: Cal-Fresh, SNAP, Food Stamps). To use your benefits, bring your EBT card to their information booths. Their staff will issue tokens or coins which you can use to make purchases from vendors at the farmers market.
Market Match is also available. When using your EBT/CalFresh card to purchase market currency at the Farmers Market, you can may also be able to receive matching tokens or coins as long as funds are available. This program allows EBT customers to extend their buying power to purchase high quality foods at the farmers market.
Here are some lesser-known food banks making a significant impact on local hunger:
Patterson Westside Food Pantry
Location: 20 South 5th Street, Patterson, CA 95363
Phone: (209) 480-4323
Distribution Days: Thursdays, 1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Warrior Food Pantry at CSU Stanislaus
Location: CSU Stanislaus Student Services Building (Building #116, room 128)
Phone: (209) 667-3833
Distribution Days: Varies by semester, check website for current dates and hours
Service: provides relief to current students (school ID required) facing food insecurity by providing a box of non-perishable food items. Food Distributions are held twice a month following the online schedule.
First Congregational Church in Salida
Location: 4825 Broadway Ave., Salida, CA 95368
Phone: (209) 545-1515
Services:
Fellowship Lunch
Date: 2nd Tuesday of every month at 12:00 PM
Location: Fellowship Hall
Details: All are invited to socialize and enjoy this lunch made by church members; suggested donation is only $5.00. Exceptions June, July and August.
Supper Club
Date: 3rd Friday at 5:30 PM of every month except June, July & August.
Location: Fellowship Hall
Details: ALL are invited to this Church potluck gathering. You are invited to bring your dish and come and enjoy a delicious meal with friends!
Location: 617 Winmoore Way, Suite F, Modesto, CA 95358
Phone: (209) 538-9700
Distribution: Tuesday & Thursday, 10am to 12 noon
Service: emergency food pantry that provides food to those in need. Eligibility requirements: Valid/Current Driver's License or Photo ID, Social Security card for each family member signing up, and a current utility bill (proof of your address).
House Pantry (Nineveh Outreach)
Location: 1601 Coffee Rd, Modesto, CA 95355
Distribution: Thursday mornings from 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
Service: operates a weekly drive-through pantry on the church campus. Enter either on the Briggsmore, Coffee, or Norwegian entrances and they will meet you in the parking lot to help you get in line.
A Note on Food Insecurity
Food insecurity can affect anyone—working families, seniors, students, and people with disabilities. By connecting our neighbors to these local pantries and supports, we’re not just feeding people; we’re strengthening the entire community.
How You Can Help
Supporting these organizations doesn’t always require money:
Donate food or supplies – Many pantries need non‑perishable items, diapers, hygiene products, or pet food.
Volunteer – Whether sorting donations, packing boxes, or helping at distribution, volunteer time is invaluable.
Share the information – Pass this list or local resource links to friends, coworkers, or community groups who may not know where to turn.
Before You Visit a Food Pantry
Food pantries operate independently, and procedures may vary by location. The following guidance can help you prepare:
Call Ahead: Confirm current hours, location details, and any required documentation before traveling.
Ask About Residency Requirements: Some smaller pantries serve specific cities or ZIP codes and may request proof of address.
Confirm Distribution Type: Food may be pre-packed or client-choice. Availability of fresh produce, dairy, or protein items varies by week.
Understand Visit Limits: Many sites limit visits to once per week or once per month. Ask about return frequency and referrals if additional assistance is needed.
Bring Bags or Containers: Supplies for carrying food may be limited.
Check Accessibility Needs: If you require wheelchair access or language assistance, contact the pantry in advance.
Expect Holiday or Weather Adjustments: Closures may occur during major holidays or extreme weather conditions.
Explore Ongoing Assistance: If you need long-term food support, ask about CalFresh (SNAP) enrollment assistance through local agencies, on the CalFresh website, or checking the Stanislaus Info Hub for assistance.
In Summary
If you or someone you know is struggling to access enough food, help is available throughout Stanislaus County. Beyond the larger food banks, many smaller community-based pantries quietly serve neighborhoods and rural areas every week.
This guide helps you identify lesser-known local food resources and understand what to expect before visiting — including how to confirm hours, ask about eligibility requirements, and prepare for distribution limits. With the right information, accessing food assistance can be simpler and less stressful.
Resumen en Español
Si usted o alguien que conoce tiene dificultades para acceder a alimentos suficientes, hay ayuda disponible en todo el Condado de Stanislaus. Además de los bancos de alimentos más grandes, muchas despensas comunitarias más pequeñas sirven a vecindarios y áreas rurales cada semana.
Esta guía le ayuda a identificar recursos locales menos conocidos y a saber qué esperar antes de visitar una despensa, incluyendo cómo confirmar horarios, preguntar sobre requisitos de elegibilidad y prepararse para posibles límites de distribución. Con la información correcta, acceder a asistencia alimentaria puede ser más sencillo y menos estresante.
If you know someone who could benefit from these services, share this post with them. Together, we can ensure that every person in Stanislaus County receives the support they deserve.
When you notice that a service or resource isn't widely available, help our community by sharing what you know here on the Stanislaus Info Hub.
This Service Spotlight is available for sponsorship.
