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 can receive food once a month from an EFAP distribution site.
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 households who self-certify to meet the program’s federal income guidelines OR are experiencing an economic or financial emergency.
- Must be a resident of San Diego County and self-certify to meet the federal income guidelines* listed below, or are experiencing an economic or financial emergency.
- 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 self-certify that you meet set federal income guidelines determined by household size or are experiencing an economic or financial emergency. Please refer to the chart below for current income guidelines.
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 for your household size, or you are experiencing an economic or financial emergency, your household qualifies
To see if you qualify for the program, review the above income guidelines or dial 2-1-1 on your phone to reach the county’s social services information hotline. If you qualify for the program, the 2-1-1 operator will give you the location of your nearest food distribution site. 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 the food distribution site. At the site, you will be asked to give your name and zip code of residence; state your household income; state the number of people living in your household, and state whether it is your first time receiving USDA food* assistance in the month.
*USDA food assistance included TEFAP and CSFP Senior Food Program assistance.
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.