Introduction

With the current (Oct 2025) government shutdown likely leading to a postponement in the SNAP benefits relied upon by millions of families, we want to share local resources that are available to those in need in Orange County.

This shutdown is due entirely to Republicans’ refusal to compromise on keeping health insurance affordable. It would be resolved if Trump and Republican leadership were simply willing to work in the best interests of the American people rather than continuing to gut the Affordable Care Act and preventing the vote on releasing the Epstein files.

But in the meantime, we have each other. SNAP and other services were put in place to support those in need since as a society we produce more than enough for everyone. Food is a human right. There's no need for anyone to go hungry. If you need help, there's no shame in it. All that means is that you, like everyone else, need support from time to time.

If you are fortunate enough to be able to share with those around you from your own abundance, then in doing so you are part of creating a community and world that does not leave anyone hungry at night.

Online Resources

There are several online tools that can help you find assistance, wherever you are.

findhelp.org

Visit https://www.findhelp.org/ and enter your ZIP code to see programs in your area. This works in Orange County and across the United States.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County

Second Harvest is a major local network distributing free groceries through nearly 300 partners countywide. Visit https://feedoc.org/need-food/ to find a nearby pantry by city, ZIP code, or pantry name, view hours, or access a PDF list. There are no qualifications and no cost; most sites only ask how many people (including children and seniors) are in your household. Note: Second Harvest does not distribute food at its Irvine warehouse.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) note: Distribution sites that are part of TEFAP will ask for your name, county of residence, household count, and whether it’s your first TEFAP visit that month. The site provides a link to current TEFAP locations.

2-1-1 Orange County (211OC)

Operated by Orange County United Way, 211OC connects residents to thousands of local health and human services, including food assistance, housing, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and crisis services. Live agents are available 24/7.

• Dial 2-1-1 or (888) 600-4357
• Chat via the bubble on the lower-right of the website
• Text your ZIP code to 898211 (Mon–Fri, 9 AM–6 PM)
• Search resources at GetHelpOC.org
• Email: Help@UnitedWayOC.org
  Website: https://211oc.org/

Food Not Bombs (California)

Food Not Bombs is a volunteer network that shares free food as a community action. Find California groups and serving times (including Santa Ana and other OC-adjacent locations) at https://foodnotbombs.net/new_site/map/california.html. Schedules may vary; confirm via listed contacts or social pages.

Additional Links

Ways to Help

In addition to donating money or nonperishable items to local food banks and pantries, consider these community actions:

• Talk with your neighbors to identify and support anyone who may be struggling, and connect them to local resources like Second Harvest, 211OC, or findhelp.org.
• Start or join a garden to improve your household food security and share produce with neighbors and community fridges/pantries.
  • In this writer's experience potatoes and fava beans are very easy beginner crops to grow in our climate.
• Host community potlucks to share meals, reduce isolation, and strengthen local support networks.
• Bring shelf-stable food to our weekly rallies; we collect and deliver donations to local food banks and immigrant support networks.

No one should face hunger alone. Reach out, share what you can, and let’s make sure our neighbors are cared for—together.