Friends In Deed runs a market-style pantry where you pick your own groceries: canned and dry goods, cereal, and when available meat, fresh produce, toiletries, diapers, formula and pet food. Open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10am–3pm and Thursdays 10am–1pm; come once a week. Arrive by 9am to join the opening lottery instead of lining up.
Verified Oct 27 · friendsindeedpas.org
Catch: Only for: low- and no-income households in the greater Pasadena and Altadena area · Bring ID for each family member and proof of address to register (staff will still help if you lack them) · Once per week
Foothill Unity Center hands out groceries three mornings a week at its Pasadena site, drive-thru or walk-up: fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy and bread when available, plus a meat or fish item once a month. Bring your own bags or a wagon. Call (626) 584-7420 to register before each distribution; CalFresh and Medi-Cal sign-up is available on site.
Verified Oct 27 · foothillunitycenter.org
Catch: Only for: income at or below 150% of the poverty level · Only for: residents of 12 San Gabriel Valley areas incl. Pasadena, Altadena, Monrovia, Arcadia · Register by phone before each distribution
Foothill Unity Center's Monrovia site gives out groceries three mornings a week, drive-thru or walk-up, with fresh produce, dairy and bread when available. People who are unhoused can pick up bagged lunches up to three times a week, and a freshly made breakfast is served the same mornings. Call (626) 358-3486 to register.
Verified Oct 27 · foothillunitycenter.org
Catch: Only for: income at or below 150% of the poverty level · Only for: residents of 12 San Gabriel Valley areas incl. Pasadena, Altadena, Monrovia, Arcadia · Register by phone before each distribution
SOVA Pico (Jewish Family Service LA) · Los Angeles
Jewish Family Service LA's SOVA pantry on Pico is set up like a farmers market where you choose your own groceries and personal care items, open to everyone in the community. Open Monday to Thursday 10am–1:30pm and Sunday 9am–noon; enter at the back of the building via Robertson or Livonia. Existing clients can book visits online for a shorter wait. Thanksgiving distributions run here November 15–19.
Verified Oct 27 · jfsla.org
Catch: Only for: households that self-certify income guidelines (generally at or below 150% of the federal poverty level) · Bring a physical photo ID with a barcode for full pantry service (no ID needed for USDA TEFAP foods only) · Registration needed for full pantry services · Up to twice per calendar month
SOVA Valley (Jewish Family Service LA) · Los Angeles
Jewish Family Service LA's SOVA Valley pantry in Van Nuys lets you pick your own groceries and personal care items, farmers-market style. Open Monday to Wednesday 10am–2:30pm and Sunday 9am–noon, but it closes on several November dates for construction, so check the calendar first. A one-day Thanksgiving drive-through runs November 19, 9am–1pm, at the Masonic Lodge, 14750 Sherman Way, for registered clients.
Verified Oct 27 · jfsla.org
Catch: Only for: households that self-certify income guidelines (generally at or below 150% of the federal poverty level) · Bring a physical photo ID with a barcode for full pantry service (no ID needed for USDA TEFAP foods only) · Registration needed for full pantry services · Up to twice per calendar month
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