Food Assistance Programs in Modesto, Turlock, and Merced
*ID, Proof of Income, and/or Proof of Residence needed at most.
Basic Needs provides valuable resources such as the Warrior Food Pantry and CalFresh that provide relief to students experiencing food insecurity. Although the definition of the term, "basic needs" varies across institutions, the reality is hunger and homelessness now affect all individuals, including college students.
Enclave Community Church
Address: 581 E. Canal Drive Turlock, CA 95380
Phone: (209) 667-5996
2nd and last Tuesday of the month from 1:30pm to 3pm. Photo ID, proof of income, and proof of residence needed.
New Life Christian Center
Address: 2918 W. Tuolumne Turlock, CA 95380
Phone: (209) 667- 5433
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 1-2pm. ID and proof of income needed.
Salvation Army Turlock Corps Community Center, Grocery Assistance Program
Address: 893 Lander Avenue Turlock, California 95380
Phone: (209) 669-5366
They offer low cost or free food, meals, perishable items, and other aid to Stanislaus County residents. Also on site is a thrift store, clothing, help for bills and rent, and other forms of financial assistance and support for the needy and low income. The Salvation Army is always a great place to call for a wide variety of food and financial assistance programs. Also, meals for Christmas or Thanksgiving may be distributed, as well as gifts for children.
United Samaritans/Daily Bread
Address: 220 S Broadway Turlock, CA 95380
Phone: (209) 668-4853
Daily Bread Mobile Food Truck – The Daily Bread Ministry is a program designed to provide lunch for those who might not otherwise have a lunch. The lunch is offered as “one lunch per person” for those who come to the truck. If there is a person with a physical disability that prohibits them from coming to the truck, we will make a home visit to determine eligibility and someone else may be assigned to pick up their lunch. Two trucks from this location service the Turlock area and the Keyes/Ceres area.
Emergency Food Boxes: A three-day food supply is available on the last Tuesday and Friday of each month between 9:00 am to 12:00 noon for Turlock and surrounding area residents. To qualify, you must provide proof of residency, picture ID and income verification. A Social Security or medical card must be provided for each member of the household. Eligible residents can receive an emergency food box every other month. For more information, please call 668-4853.
Davis Park Church of Christ
Address: 901 W. Rumble Rd. Modesto, CA 95350
Phone: (209) 522-7226
The church has a food pantry where they offer groceries to those in need. It is open to the public Monday,
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10-10:30am & again at 1:30-2pm. Thursday, hours are 8-1:30 pm.
Christ Unity Baptist Church
Address: 1320 L Street Modesto, CA 95351
Phone: (209) 577-9112
Every first and third Saturday of the month the church is open form 9:00am to 11:30pm to offer a hot meal and fresh clothing to those in need.
Carpenters House
Address: 120 Kerr Ave Modesto, CA 95351
Phone: (209) 526-1971
Compassion Ministries, held every Saturday at our church, provide food and clothing for hundreds of families in our community from 10am to 12pm.
Nineveh Outreach
Address: 1601 Coffee Rd Modesto, CA 95355
Phone: (209) 529-7346
The Care Center Food Pantry is an on-campus service where people of all backgrounds and walks of life may come to receive groceries. In addition to packaged foods, dairy products, fresh produce and paper products are also made available. Families are to provide a photo ID, proof of income and proof of residence in order to participate. This application process is one time per year and families may come every week to receive. Our food pantry is open year round on Thursday from 8am-9am. Our food pantry is open year round on Thursdays from 8:30am to 9:30am. Registration is from 8:30A.M. – 9:00 A.M.
Inter-Faith Ministries - The Care Center
Address: 120 Kerr Avenue Modesto, California 95354
Phone: (209) 572-3117
Speak to a representative about food assistance programs.
God Always Provides Pantry - The Well Community Fellowship Church of Modesto
Address: 2500 Claus Road, Modesto, CA 95354
Phone: (209) 551-4463
The charity is only open 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month from 10 am to 1 pm.
Grocery Distribution for clients is on Sundays 10 am – 1 pm. The charity operates as a Walk-In service, for income-qualified households. Note that household information and income verification is required in Stanislaus County.
Big Valley Grace Community Church
Address is 4040 Tully Rd Modesto, CA 95356
Phone: (209) 577-1604
Volunteers pass out groceries, fresh fruits, and vegetables.
Victory in Praise
Address: 720 G Street Modesto, CA 95354
Phone: (209) 678-3971
Every 4th Saturday of the month from 10am to 12pm. ID and proof of income needed.
St. Vincent de Paul – St. Joseph’s
Address: 1813 Oakdale Road Modesto, CA 95355
Phone: (209) 551-4973
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 12pm
Services provided included twice a week food bag distribution from the SVDP office and weekly assistance with emergency utility assistance and other needs. Food distribution is on Tuesday and Thursdays. If you need assistance, the SVDP Help Line phone number is (209) 551-0229. Voicemail messages are reviewed several times each week.
Harvest Time (Located at Calvary Assembly of God)
Address: 1021 R. Street Merced, CA 95341
Phone: (209) 723-2395
Distributes food boxes on the 3rd and 4th Thursday of each month 8:30 am – 10:00 am (January thru October); only on the 3rd Thursday in November and December from 8:30 am – 10:00 am.
Love INC of Greater Merced
Address: 1920 Canal Street Merced, CA 95340
Phone: (209) 383-1265
Open Monday – Thursday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Food assistance, used furniture and appliances, personal care items, blankets, infant & toddler supplies, transportation to medical appointments, holiday assistance, back-to-school supplies, financial planning, spiritual guidance, prayer, mentoring, life skills workshops, and referrals to other agencies and organizations.
Merced County Food Bank
Address: 2000 W. Olive Ave Merced, CA 95348
Phone: (209) 726-3663
Open Monday thru Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed from 12 pm to 1 pm for lunch.
Merced County Rescue Mission
Address: 1921 Canal Street Merced, CA 95340
Phone: (209) 722-9269
Open Monday thru Friday 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. Provides meals, homeless shelter, showers, bible studies, religious activities and clothing.
Updated: February 13, 2024