Where to Find Free Food during the Government Shutdown
At Feeding San Diego, we understand the stress that the 2025 government shutdown causes for federal workers, active-duty military personnel, and their families. We offer food distributions throughout San Diego County that are open to everyone in need of support. We are also working with partners in our network who serve the military community to provide nutritious food to those affected by the shutdown.
We have put together a list of locations where federal workers and the military community can access no-cost groceries. Feeding San Diego is also planning additional food distributions if the government shutdown persists. This page will be updated when information about those distributions becomes available.
Feeding San Diego Food Distributions
Feeding San Diego provides no-cost groceries at hundreds of locations throughout the county. The majority of our distributions have no requirements and provide a mix of fresh produce and pantry staples.
If you or someone you know needs support, visit our Find Food Map to find a food distribution near you.
Extended Marketplace Hours
Starting Saturday, October 18, the Feeding San Diego Marketplace will have extra hours:
- Mondays: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Wednesdays: 5 – 7 p.m.
- First & Third Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
You’ll receive about 36 pounds of groceries and can shop for pantry staples and fresh produce.
Pop-up Distributions
Pop-ups for specific groups will be available for:
- Federal employees on Wednesday, October 29, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Veterans Affairs office on 8810 San Diego Dr., San Diego, CA, 92121
- Active-duty military and federal employees on Thursday, October 30, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the 1st Medical Battalion on Camp Pendleton, Bldg 22163, 11th St., Oceanside, CA, 92018
Military-Only Distributions
Feeding San Diego partners with organizations that serve active-duty military members, veterans, and their families. These distributions are not listed on our Find Food Map. You must have a valid military ID to attend the distributions listed below.
Additional distributions with food for military families and active-duty military personnel will be added soon. Please check back on this page for more details.
Courage to Call
Courage to Call food distributions are open to all Active-Duty Personnel, Veterans, National Guard, reservists, and their families. Their distributions are on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 9 to 11 a.m.
The distribution address is 9465 Farnham St, San Diego, California 92123.
Military Outreach Ministries San Diego (MOM-SD)
MOM-SD food distributions are available exclusively to active-duty military personnel. Their distributions are on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 12 to 3 p.m. Attendees must register for a time slot to shop.
The distribution address is 4426 Harbinson Ave, La Mesa, California 91942.
Support the Enlisted Project (STEP)
STEP distributions are open to enlisted service members, veterans, and their families. Their distribution locations and times vary. Please refer to the table below for upcoming food distribution dates.
| Address | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 9915 Businesspark Avenue, San Diego, CA, 92131 | October 18 | 8 to 11 a.m. |
| 2394 Teamwork Street, Camp Pendleton | October 22 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
| Gateway Village Military Housing, 2741 Mendonca Drive, San Diego, 92110 | November 7 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. |
| 101 Santa Rosa Dr., Camp Pendleton | November 12 | 3 to 5 p.m. |
| 8320 Juniper Creek Lane, San Diego, CA 92126 | November 15 | 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. |
| 2394 Teamwork Street, Camp Pendleton | November 19 | 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
| MCAS Miramar, 2242 Moore Avenue, San Diego, CA, 92126 | November 20 | 2 to 5 p.m. |
Us4Warriors
Us4Warriors food distributions are open to veterans, active members of the military, and their families. Distributions take place on the second Friday of each month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., except in December. Appointments are required and can be made on the Us4Warriors website. The next distribution is Friday, November 14, at the VA Medical Clinic, 8875 Aero Drive., San Diego, CA 92123.
Us4Warriors also operates a food pantry, Monday through Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 1626 Frontage Road, Chula Vista, CA 91911. All participants must bring proof of past or present military service eligibility and make an appointment in advance.
Get Support during the Government Shutdown
We recognize that this time of uncertainty is difficult. Feeding San Diego is here to help. Please use our Find Food Map for more information about no-cost groceries near you.
