Where can I find free food supplies or a hot meal?

Various nonprofit organizations and churches in Chico assist people experiencing food insecurity.

NorCal Resist Chico and the North State Shelter Team hold mutual aid distribution at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Our Hands Plaza. Melys Araujo-Jerez of NorCal Resist Chico said the distribution location will change soon and encourages people in need to check NorCal Resist Chico’s social media regularly for location updates.

Araujo-Jerez said people who want to help can donate directly to NorCal Resist Chico’s DonorBox or drop off items during the Tuesday distribution events.

“We encourage people to bring hot food if they would like to share as well! Or any food donations,” Araujo-Jerez said.

ChicoSol listing of Chico food and mutual aid resources:

  • 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Our Hands Plaza, 254 East 4th St. organized by NorCal Resist Chico and North State Shelter Team. Note: People can receive hot meals and hygiene supplies, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, dog and cat food (while supplies last), books, some cold-weather gear (socks, beanies, while supplies last), batteries, shampoo and conditioner, razors, and more.
  • 2 p.m.-4 p.m. every second and fourth Saturday of the month at South Chico Community Assistance Center, 1805 Park Ave. Note: The food pantry provides essential items such as shelf-stable foods, fresh produce, and frozen goods.
  • 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Chico Community Food Locker, 1386 Longfellow Ave.
  • Zion Community Christian Center, 895 Virginia St. Note: Check the calendar here for unperishable food distribution at the center.
  • 4 p.m. Mondays at the Food Pantry at Hope Commons Church, 1184 East Ave. Note: The church distributes bags of food designed to make several complete meals. Anyone can pick up a bag at 4 p.m. from the Family Ministry Center on the right-hand side of the church building.
  • Call the Hispanic Resource Council of Northern California at 530-519-3118 to request a grocery gift card. Gift cards are reserved for immigrants who have been impacted by immigration enforcement.

Visit the North State Food Bank page for complete listings for Butte and surrounding counties here. Visit the CalFresh outreach page for information about food resources and food stamps. — Yucheng Tang