Living in Los Angeles can be challenging when you’re struggling to afford basic necessities like food and clothing. In fact, over 2 million people in Los Angeles County face food insecurity lafoodbank.org, meaning they don’t always know where their next meal will come from. If you or your family are in need of a helping hand, you are not alone – and there are supportive programs ready to assist. This guide will walk you through where to get free food in Los Angeles, how to apply for CalFresh benefits, where to find clothing assistance, and how the Los Angeles Community Alliance (LACA) can help you meet your needs. Our aim is to give you friendly, trustworthy information so you can get the help you deserve.

Where to Get Free Food in Los Angeles

Finding free food in Los Angeles is easier when you know where to look. Across the city and county, food distribution events and food pantries provide groceries and meals to those who need them. Many local churches, community centers, and nonprofits host weekly food pantries or free food distributions. For example, the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank (the main food bank LA relies on) supports a network of pantries – you can enter your address on their website to find a nearby food pantry or distribution eventlafoodbank.org. These pantries often offer a variety of items, from canned goods to fresh produce like lettuce, tomatoes, fruits and more211la.org, so families can receive healthy groceries at no cost.

In addition to food pantries, soup kitchens and meal programs serve free prepared meals. Organizations on Skid Row and throughout LA, such as the Union Rescue Mission, provide hot meals daily to anyone who is hungry. Union Rescue Mission alone serves around 3,000 nutritious meals each day to men, women, and children in needshelterlistings.org. Many of these programs have specific serving times (for example, lunch or dinner hours), and some also offer extras like baby food or sack lunches for school-aged kidsshelterlistings.org. Don’t be afraid to dial 2-1-1 (the LA County information line) to ask about free meal programs or food giveaways near you – 211 operators can quickly direct you to resources in your neighborhood.

How to Apply for CalFresh and Local Aid

While emergency food pantries can help right away, you may also qualify for ongoing financial assistance for food, like CalFresh. CalFresh (formerly known as food stamps or SNAP) is a California program that gives eligible low-income individuals and families a monthly benefit to buy groceries. In Los Angeles, applying for CalFresh is designed to be straightforward and accessible. You have a few options to apply:

Online: The easiest way to apply is through the BenefitsCal websitedpss.lacounty.gov. Create an account and fill out the CalFresh application online at BenefitsCal.com.

By Phone: You can also apply by phone by calling the L.A. County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) Customer Service Center at (866) 613-3777dpss.lacounty.gov. They will mail you an application or allow you to complete it over the phone.

In Person: If you prefer face-to-face help, visit any DPSS office in Los Angeles County to apply in persondpss.lacounty.gov. Staff can provide forms and guide you through the process.

After you apply, you will typically have a phone or in-person interview to review your eligibility. If approved, you’ll receive an EBT card (Electronic Benefit Transfer card) which works like a debit card to purchase food at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and many other food retailers. CalFresh benefits can make a big difference, they help you buy groceries each month so you don’t have to rely solely on food pantries. Also, if you have young children or are a senior, ask about other programs: for instance, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) provides additional food assistance for pregnant women and kids under 5, and there are special meal programs for seniors (you can access senior meal info by calling 1-800-510-2020 in LA)lafoodbank.org. Don’t hesitate to tap into these resources; they exist to help families stay healthy and fed.

Clothing Support for Families in Need in Los Angeles

Food is not the only necessity that can strain a budget , clothing and shoes are essential too, especially for growing children or for those who need professional attire. Thankfully, there are several clothing assistance Los Angeles programs for families in need. Many Los Angeles shelters and community organizations operate clothing closets or giveaways. For example, Union Rescue Mission (and similar missions) accepts donations of clothes and then distributes this clothing to men, women, and children who may have little more than the clothes on their back shelterlistings.org. This means if you’re struggling, you can obtain season-appropriate clothing, jackets, blankets, and more at no charge from such charitable groups.

Beyond shelters, some nonprofits offer innovative programs to help with clothing. One great example is the NCJW|LA’s Clothing Assistance Program, which provides free clothing in a dignified way. Instead of handing out used clothes directly, NCJW|LA gives out gift cards that families can redeem for clothing, shoes, and accessories at affiliated thrift storesncjwla.org. Eligible low-income individuals can get these clothing vouchers (typically once per year per family member) to pick out the items they need in the right sizes. This kind of program allows you to shop for your family as if you were in a normal store, but without spending money. Additionally, organizations like the Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, and local churches often host clothing drives or maintain free clothing closets , it’s worth checking with community centers or dialing 2-1-1 to find the nearest location offering free clothes for you or your children. No one should have to worry about having a warm coat in winter or proper shoes for work or school, and these resources help ensure you and your family have the basics covered.

How LACA Can Help

When it comes to both food and clothing assistance, the Los Angeles Community Alliance (LACA) is a reliable, community-based solution you can turn to. LACA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting hunger and hardship in our city. It combats food insecurity and homelessness in Los Angeles by empowering underserved residents with healthy food, life skills classes, and essential clothing lacommunityalliance.org. In other words, LACA’s mission is to uplift families and individuals who are struggling, by providing not just immediate relief like groceries and attire, but also support that helps people work toward long-term stability.

One of LACA’s core services is its Grocery & Clothing Distribution Program. This program offers free food distribution in Los Angeles on a weekly basis to qualified participants. Each week at LACA’s distribution events, families receive fresh groceries, produce, and even clothing at no cost. The resources are completely free for those who sign up and meet the basic criteria (the program is aimed at low-income and underemployed households). LACA takes pride in ensuring that everyone who comes through our doors is treated with dignity and respect, we believe no one should be ashamed to ask for help. By providing both nutritious food and clothing for your family, LACA strives to relieve some of the financial burden you may be facing.

Signing up is simple: LACA requires an appointment to pick up groceries, so we ask that you fill out a short form to register for the program (this helps us plan enough supplies for everyone). You can sign up on our website or by contacting our office. Once registered, you’ll be given a scheduled time to come by our distribution site in Los Angeles (our office is located at 5255 W. Sunset Blvd.) to pick up bags of groceries and any available clothing items for your family. All of this is free of charge. LACA has already helped hundreds of local families ,in 2024 alone, over 1,300 people in Los Angeles were served by LACA’s programs lacommunityalliance.org and we’re ready to help you too.

If you or someone you know is in need of food or clothing assistance, we encourage you to reach out and let LACA help. Getting support is not complicated, and there’s no shame in asking for a hand during tough times. Join the LACA program today by signing up for our free grocery and clothing distribution. Simply fill out our intake form or give us a call at (213) 325-5056 to schedule your first pickup. We’re here to answer your questions and welcome you into our community. No one in Los Angeles should go hungry or without the basics. By tapping into resources like food banks, CalFresh, clothing programs, and LACA’s services, you can take an important step toward stability and relief. Help is available – all you need to do is reach out, and we’ll be here to support you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What food assistance programs are available in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles offers food assistance through local food pantries, nonprofit organizations like LA Regional Food Bank, and programs such as CalFresh (SNAP).

How can I get free clothing in Los Angeles?

Organizations like LACA, The Giving Keys, and LA Mission provide free clothing to individuals and families in need. Many require a short intake form or ID for verification.

Who qualifies for food and clothing assistance?

Programs typically support low-income individuals, families, seniors, and unhoused individuals. Most require proof of residence or income.

How do I sign up for LACA’s grocery and clothing distribution program?

Visit our sign-up page to register. LACA provides ongoing support with dignity and no judgment, serving both English and Spanish speaking communities.

Is documentation required to receive help?

Most community-based programs (like LACA) require minimal documentation. We aim to make access simple and judgment-free.