Grocery prices in the Bay Area are climbing, leaving many families struggling. In this tough time, thousands of CalFresh recipients are looking to food pantries, particularly Latino families in San Francisco who prefer fresh, culturally meaningful ingredients for their holiday meals.
Most pantries in the area get their supplies from the San Francisco–Marin Food Bank, a major distributor, while Second Harvest of Silicon Valley serves Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.
Inside a San Francisco–Marin Food Bank warehouse in Bayview–Hunters Point, volunteers hustle to pack green grocery bags with fresh items like corn, strawberries, and eggs. They aim to create around 1,000 bags in one day, serving families hit hard by the recent federal shutdown or those hesitant to shop due to concerns about immigration raids. The food bank distributes 21,000 to 30,000 pounds of fresh produce each week across over 250 pantries, including well-known spots like The Women’s Building and Mission Food Hub.
Offering fresh produce is crucial. Many families can choose items they know how to cook and that fit their cultural traditions. For Latino households making classic dishes like tamales and enchiladas, this choice is vital.
According to food bank staff, the need for food assistance grows, especially as the holidays approach. Citlali Ramos, a pantry coordinator, noted, “We definitely see the need people have for food.” Beyond just groceries, many pantries connect families to health and social services, further supporting their community.
### Demand for Food Pantries
Families are turning to local food pantries for help. A recent study by the UC Berkeley Food Institute found that food insecurity rates among Latino households have surged by 46% in the past year. This increase highlights a growing crisis that’s affecting many in the community.
As pantries prepare for the holiday rush, let’s take a look at several in San Francisco offering fresh produce and essential items for festive Latino cooking:
- El Mercadito – Operated by Mission Action, serves a variety of fresh produce and culturally relevant foods. Distribution is on Saturdays from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
- Mission Food Hub – Primarily serves immigrants and is open Fridays from 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM.
- The Women’s Building – Connecting food and wellness services, operates with growing demand as the holidays near.
- Salvation Army Mission – Offers fresh vegetables and meat to families throughout the season, open Thursdays from 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM.
For those in need of assistance, most pantries require reservations through the Plentiful app. Reservations help manage distributions efficiently, ensuring that food reaches families who need it most. Additionally, seniors and disabled adults may qualify for home-delivered groceries.
As community support grows, food banks and pantries remain vital lifelines, especially during challenging times. They’re not just about providing food; they also foster connections and promote wellness among families.
