Emergency Food
Assistance Program
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP or TEFAP) is a USDA program which works to improve the health of low-income families by supplementing their diets with nutritious foods. The Food Bank administers the program and distributes USDA-provided food to more than 90,000 individuals at 70 distribution sites every month throughout San Diego County. Participants in the program receive food once a month at a local distribution site in their area.
Over 90,000 Participants
70 Distribution Sites Across San Diego County
Canned Foods, Dry Grains, Proteins, and Other Nutritious Items.
Emergency Food Assistance Program Details
The Emergency Food Assistance Program is a federal program that provides monthly food packages to individuals and families who meet income guidelines set by the federal government.
- Must be a resident of San Diego County and meet the federal income guidelines* listed below.
- Eligible applicants may visit our Food Locator or call the Food Bank or 2-1-1 for the location of their nearest distribution site.
- No documentation is required.
Income Guidelines
To receive food assistance through this program, you must meet set federal income guidelines determined by household size and household income. Please refer to the chart to see if your household qualifies for the Emergency Food Assistance Program.
How to Receive Food From
the Program
Review The Income Guidelines
To see if you qualify for the program, see the income guidelines above or dial 2-1-1 on your phone to reach the county’s social services information hotline. You can also contact the Food Bank’s toll-free number at 1-866-350-FOOD (3663).
Find a Food Distribution Location
To find the nearest distribution location for this program, review our roster, visit our Food Locator Map, call 2-1-1 or contact the Food Bank’s toll-free number at 1-866-350-FOOD (3663).
Visit The Food Distribution Site
Go to your nearest food distribution site. At the site you will be asked to give your name and address; state your household income; and state the number of people living in your household.
Please note: This is a self-certifying program. Documented proof of income and I.D. are NOT REQUIRED to receive food (USDA TEFAP Commodities).
Enjoy Monthly Food Packages
Common Questions & Resources
1) Review the income guidelines above, if your household makes less than the monthly or annual income guideline, your household qualifies.
To see if you qualify for the program, dial 2-1-1 on your phone to reach the county’s social services information hotline. If you qualify for the program based on the income guidelines outlined above, the 2-1-1 operator will give you the location of your nearest food distribution site based on your zip code. You can also contact the Food Bank’s toll-free number at 1-866-350-FOOD (3663).
2) To find the nearest distribution location for this program, review our roster, visit our Food Locator Map, call 2-1-1 or contact the Food Bank’s toll-free number at 1-866-350-FOOD (3663).
3) Visit the food distribution site to receive food
Go to your nearest food distribution site. At the site you will be asked to give you r name and address; state your household income; and state the number of people living in your household.
Please note: This is a self-certifying program. Documented proof of income and I.D. are NOT REQUIRED to receive food (USDA TEFAP Commodities).
After signing, you will be entitled to receive a monthly food package from the nearest distribution site within your zip code during distribution hours.
Food items vary from month to month. A typical EFAP bag will include: canned vegetables, canned soups, fruit juice, canned fruits, canned meats, spaghetti, rice, beans, occasional fresh produce, dairy, frozen meat, and frozen food items.
For public transit information call: 1-619-233-3004
Explore Other Food Bank Programs
Need Food?
Get food assistance in your local area. The Food Bank works with nonprofits to distribute food in your area. Use our food locator to find a nonprofit in your area that can help. Click on the Find Food button below.