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HelpByState

San Diego County, California

Free help in San Diego County, California

Find a food pantry open this week
Free help from local charities, food banks, and state and federal programs. Free to use, no sign-up. Every listing shows the day we checked it.

Always freeFree to use. No sign-up, no fees, nothing to buy.
Real help, from real placesFood banks, charities, churches, and state and federal programs near you.
Checked for youEach listing shows the day we checked it, so you do not drive to a closed door.

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Checking what is open today
202confirmed listings
25towns covered
2food pantries and meal programs
October 9last checked

This week

Food this week in San Diego County

Pick a day to see which pantries are open and when. Times come from each pantry's confirmed schedule. Tap Call to reach them.

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What is close to you

Tap a numbered circle to zoom in. Pins are for orientation only: trust the address on each card.

IMPERIALORANGERIVERSIDE SAN DIEGO COUNTY Lake Henshaw San DiegoChula VistaOceansidePowayCarlsbadEscondidoSan MarcosVista
California
202 places

    Some safety programs do not share an address, so they are not on the map. They are listed under Safety below.

    Food pantries and meals2

    Countywide

    The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank (call to find a pantry near you)

    The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank serves San Diego County through local partner pantries but does not publish a public list of them. Call and they will tell you the nearest pantry and when it is open.

    Hours
    Please call for hours

    Call first. Call to find the nearest pantry and its hours.

    Checked October 9, 2026. Source: California Association of Food Banks member list.Suggest an update

    Housing6

    San Diego

    Housing Authority of the County of San Diego

    Public housing apartments and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    3989 Ruffin Rd, San Diego, CA 92123

    Call first. Office hours are not published. Call to ask about openings and the waiting list.

    San Diego

    San Diego Housing Commission

    Public housing apartments and Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1122 Broadway Ste 300, San Diego, CA 92101

    Call first. Office hours are not published. Call to ask about openings and the waiting list.

    National City

    CDC of National City

    Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    140 E 12th St Ste B, National City, CA 91950

    Call first. Office hours are not published. Call to ask about openings and the waiting list.

    Carlsbad

    Carlsbad Housing & Homeless Services

    Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) for low-income families, older adults and people with disabilities.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1200 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008

    Call first. Office hours are not published. Call to ask about openings and the waiting list.

    Health and dental188

    San Diego

    Beach Area Family Health Center

    Community health center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    3705 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    Beach Area Women's Health Center

    Community health center run by Family Health Centers of San Diego INC. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    3690 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    City Heights East

    Community health center run by Family Health Centers of San Diego INC. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    5526 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    City Heights Family Health Center

    Community health center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    5454 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    Downtown Family Health Center at Connections

    Community health center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1250 6th Ave, Ste 100, San Diego, CA 92101

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    El Cerrito Family Counseling Center

    Community health center run by Family Health Centers of San Diego INC. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    5472 El Cajon Blvd STE 101, San Diego, CA 92115

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    Elm Street Family Health Center

    Community health center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    140 Elm St, San Diego, CA 92101

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    Family Health Centers of San Diego

    Community health center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    823 Gateway Center Way, San Diego, CA 92102

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    FamilyHealth at City College

    Community health center run by Family Health Centers of San Diego INC. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1550 Broadway STE 2, San Diego, CA 92101

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    FamilyHealth on Commercial

    Community health center run by Family Health Centers of San Diego INC. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    2325 Commercial St, Apartment 1400, San Diego, CA 92113

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    FamilyHealth, Center for Older Adults

    Community health center run by Family Health Centers of San Diego INC. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    3420 College Ave, San Diego, CA 92115

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    FamilyHealth, Youth Counseling Center

    Community health center run by Family Health Centers of San Diego INC. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    2130 National Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    FHCSD Facility Services

    Community health center run by Family Health Centers of San Diego INC. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    3959 Lockridge St, San Diego, CA 92102

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    Fifth Avenue Behavioral Health Center

    Community health center run by Family Health Centers of San Diego INC. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    1750 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    HCHC-San Diego

    Community health center run by Herald Christian Health Center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    7808 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    Healthy Development Services Center, Central Region

    Community health center run by Family Health Centers of San Diego INC. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    2044 1st Ave, Ste 200, San Diego, CA 92101

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    Hillcrest Family Health Center

    Community health center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    4094 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    Hillcrest Family Health Center, Annex

    Community health center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    4065 3rd Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    HIV Prevention Center

    Community health center run by Family Health Centers of San Diego INC. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    4040 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    La Maestra Behavioral Health Services

    Community health center run by La Maestra Family Clinic, INC.. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    4167 Fairmount Ave, San Diego, CA 92105

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    La Maestra City Heights Clinic

    Community health center run by La Maestra Family Clinic, INC.. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    4074 Fairmount Ave, San Diego, CA 92105

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    La Maestra Dental Clinic

    Community health center run by La Maestra Family Clinic, INC.. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    4305 University Ave, Suite 150, San Diego, CA 92105

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    San Diego

    La Maestra Family Clinic

    Community health center. It sees patients with or without insurance and, as a federally funded health center, must offer discounts based on income.

    Hours
    Please call for hours
    Address
    4060 Fairmount Ave, San Diego, CA 92105

    Call first. Hours are not published on an official page we could check. Call first.

    See all 188 health listings in San Diego County →

    Recovery and mental health help2

    Statewide

    988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

    Call or text 988 to reach a trained crisis counselor any time, for a mental health crisis, thoughts of suicide or a substance use crisis. It is free and confidential. Veterans can press 1.

    Hours
    24 hours a day, 7 days a week

    Veterans services2

    Statewide

    Veterans Crisis Line

    Dial 988, then press 1. Or text 838255, or chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Free and confidential. You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care.

    Hours
    Open 24 hours a day, every day
    Statewide

    VA national phone lines

    VA benefits: 800-827-1000. VA health benefits: 877-222-8387. Homeless veterans, open 24 hours: 877-424-3838. MyVA411, the main VA line, open 24 hours: 800-698-2411.

    Hours
    Benefits line, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern

    Safety and crisis help1

    Statewide

    National Domestic Violence Hotline

    Free, confidential help for anyone hurt or threatened by a partner or family member: safety planning, shelter referrals and someone to talk to. Call 1-800-799-7233, text START to 88788, or chat at TheHotline.org. In an emergency, call 911.

    Hours
    24 hours a day, 7 days a week

    How HelpByState works

    Checked, dated and corrected by neighbors

    1. 1

      Matched to the source

      A listing goes up only after its phone and its address or hours match the organization's own page, or an official list.

    2. 2

      Dated on every card

      Each card shows the day we checked it. If sources disagree, we say call first instead of guessing.

    3. 3

      Fixed by the community

      See something wrong, or know a place we missed? Send it in. Nothing changes until we have checked it.

    Neighbors helping neighbors

    Help is closer than you think in San Diego County

    A volunteer hands a bag of fresh groceries to a mother holding her daughter's hand
    Free groceriesFood banks and pantries give food to anyone who needs it.
    A helper smiles as she helps an older man fill out a form
    Someone to help you applyState offices and local programs help with food stamps, bills and more.
    Kids laughing together over a free meal with a grandmother at a community center
    Meals and care for kidsFree meals, clinics and family programs, close to home.

    Questions people ask

    Where can I get free food in San Diego County, California?

    We have confirmed 2 places that can help in San Diego County: Feeding San Diego (call to find a pantry near you), (858) 452-3663, call first; The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank (call to find a pantry near you), (858) 527-1419, call first. Please call first to confirm the ones marked call first. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.

    Where can I get housing help in San Diego County, California?

    We have confirmed 6 places that can help in San Diego County: Housing Authority of the County of San Diego, (858) 694-4801, call first; San Diego Housing Commission, (619) 231-9400, call first; City of Oceanside Community Development Comm, (760) 435-3360, call first. 3 more are listed on this page. Please call first to confirm the ones marked call first. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.

    Where can I find a free or low-cost clinic in San Diego County, California?

    We have confirmed 188 places that can help in San Diego County: Beach Area Family Health Center in San Diego, (619) 515-2444, call first; Beach Area Women's Health Center in San Diego, (619) 515-2444, call first; City Heights East in San Diego, (619) 515-2300, call first. 185 more are listed on this page. Please call first to confirm the ones marked call first. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.

    Where can I get help with addiction or mental health in San Diego County, California?

    We have confirmed 2 places that can help in San Diego County: 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), 988; SAMHSA National Helpline (Open 24 hours a day, every day), (800) 662-4357. If you are in crisis right now, call or text 988. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.

    Where can I get help with veterans benefits in San Diego County, California?

    We have confirmed 2 places that can help in San Diego County: Veterans Crisis Line (Open 24 hours a day, every day), 988; VA national phone lines (Benefits line, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM Eastern), (800) 827-1000. A veteran in crisis can call 988 and press 1, or text 838255.

    Where can I get free legal help in San Diego County, California?

    We have confirmed one place that can help in San Diego County: Legal Aid Society of San Diego, (877) 534-2524. Please call first to confirm. You can also dial 2-1-1 to talk to a person.

    Is HelpByState free to use?

    Yes. There is nothing to sign up for and nothing to pay. Every listing is free, and so is adding or correcting one.

    Why do some listings say call first?

    Church and community pantries often change days, move, or close for a holiday. When the sources we checked disagree, or an organization does not publish its hours, we say so instead of guessing. A quick call saves a trip.

    I run a pantry or a program. How do I get listed or fix our hours?

    Use the Add a listing or Suggest an update form. We confirm it against your own page or contact you, then change the listing. It is free.

    Is this the same as 2-1-1?

    No. 2-1-1 is a statewide phone line and database run by the state network. HelpByState is an independent, county-by-county directory that shows the date each listing was checked. If you want to talk to a person, dial 2-1-1.

    Where do the hours and phone numbers come from?

    From each organization's own website or page, official sources such as housing authority and WIC clinic lists, and the public Find Food map of the California Association of Food Banks member list. We list the source on every card.

    Something missing, or out of date?

    If you run a pantry or program, or you saw a listing that is wrong, tell us. We check every message against the organization's own page before anything changes.