This Holiday Season, Where to Find Free Food, Clothing and Hot Meals in the Bay Area

Between the Bay Area’s recent cold spell and delays in distributing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funds during the federal government shutdown, you or your neighbors may be in need of some extra help this holiday season.

The good news is that there are ample organizations working to get free pantry staples, warm clothes and even hot meals to Bay Area residents this time of year — and many of them offer volunteer opportunities if you’ve got a little extra time on your hands.

Read on for more information on how to access these and other resources this winter and how to lend a helping hand.

Jump straight to:

• Where to get free groceries
• Where to find a hot meal during the holidays
• Where to get clothes, gifts and other supplies

Pantry food

Alameda Food Bank, 677 West Ranger Ave., Alameda

In-person shopping and online ordering for curbside pick up for clients with mobility needs are both available at this East Bay location.

Pick up is limited to those living, working or going to school in Alameda, but if you don’t qualify, you can call the helpline at (510) 635-3663 to find options elsewhere in the region.

For volunteers: Sign up here to make an ongoing commitment to the food bank.

Samaritan House of San Mateo, 4031 Pacific Blvd., San Mateo

Sign up to receive donated food or for Samaritan House’s Family Sharing Program, where families from San Mateo County get matched with donors for the holiday season.

For volunteers: You can sign up to serve food or help with meal delivery here.

Martha’s Community Market, 749 Story Road, San José

Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can swing by and shop for free groceries and dry goods, just make an appointment and make sure you’re already signed up for services through the organization.

For volunteers: Register to help out this holiday season here.

Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, San José

Check the schedule for market times and locations to get free groceries all across the South Bay, but be aware of some closures at the end of December.

For volunteers: Volunteers are needed to help serve and organize food and groceries.

Find a more comprehensive list of food banks across the Bay Area here.

Hot meals

GLIDE, 330 Ellis St., San Francisco

The Christmas Eve Luncheon Celebration is scheduled for Dec. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with prime rib and sides provided by San Francisco’s House of Prime Rib.

On Christmas Day, ham, turkey and all the fixings will be served to nearly 2,500 people from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For volunteers: Shifts fill up quickly, so sign up here, and check back for openings often.

Martin de Porres House of Hospitality, 225 Potrero Ave., San Francisco

Christmas Eve lunch will include vegetarian turkey roasts, mashed potatoes and plenty of cookies.

For volunteers: Sign up to help out using the form on this page.

Tenderloin Tessie Holiday Dinners, 1187 Franklin St., San Francisco

Christmas Dinner will be served from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at First Unitarian Universalist Church.

For volunteers: Reach out by calling (415) 584-3252 or via email at tenderlointessie@gmail.com to help with holiday meals.

Clothing and supplies

St. Anthony’s, 150 Golden Gate Ave., San Francisco

Sign up for an appointment to shop at the Free Clothing Store at 121 Golden Gate Ave. There are no eligibility requirements, but staff may request to see ID to confirm your enrollment status.

For volunteers: You can donate clean, new and gently used clothing or give your time to help with the program.

Sacred Heart Community Service, 1281 South First St., San José

The Clothes Closet is open weekdays starting at 9 a.m. Anyone in need of clothes can shop twice per month and take home up to five articles of clothing for free.

For volunteers: New volunteers can learn about the process and apply here.