The Senior Food Program is a federal program that provides monthly supplemental food packages to income-eligible senior citizens aged 60 and over. The Food Bank administers the program and distributes USDA-provided food at more than 70 distribution sites every month in communities throughout San Diego County.
1. You must first check your eligibility.
Are you or a member of your household at least 60 years of age or older and meet the household income requirements?
To see if you meet the income guidelines for this program, please refer to the household income chart below.
*Income guidelines are provided by the USDA on a yearly basis and were last updated 1/21/2024.
PDFs outlining the program with federal income guidelines are available for download:
2024 Senior Food Program Income Guidelines
Call the Food Bank 1-866-350-FOOD (3663) to speak with a staff member who can assess if you qualify for the program. If you qualify, you will be provided information about the location and hours of your nearest food distribution site based on your zip code.
2. Visit the food distribution site with the required documentation (as outlined below) and sign up for the program.
You must bring these documents with you when you sign up:
– Valid I.D. with Date of Birth
– Proof of Address (i.e. Utility, Water, Phone Bill)
After signing up, you will receive a box of food and will be entitled to receive a monthly food package from a site within your zip code on the allocated distribution day every month.
Currently, we have more than 70 food distribution sites that cater to the needs of seniors living on a fixed income.
Click on the link below for an up-to-date list of the Senior Food Program’s distribution sites.
What types of food are distributed?
Each participant receives one 40-pound box of food every month that is filled with a variety of nutritious food items. The box usually contains the following items: reduced-fat milk, instant non-fat milk, canned meats, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, cheese, rice, pasta, fruit juice and cereal.
What happens once I am enrolled?
Once enrolled, applicants will be assigned a distribution date and location as well as a monthly calendar listing future distributions.
If you miss a distribution, please contact the San Diego Food Bank before the end of the month and you will be given the address of another distribution site in your area where you can receive a food box.
Public Transportation Information
For public transit information call: 1-619-233-3004
Volunteer Opportunities with the Senior Food Program
Do you want to make a difference in the lives of seniors facing hunger and in the community? Are you talkative, friendly and enjoy making others feel good? Do you want to be more involved in the community by helping to distribute food to seniors enrolled in the Senior Food Program? If you answered yes, then we have an awesome opportunity for you!
Please contact Ernesto Guardian at [email protected] or 858-863-5191 to join our Senior Food Program volunteer team.
