Gundy Sartor donates food to her neighborhood dry food pantry on CA-236 between Azalea Street and Redwood Avenue in Boulder Creek on Nov. 18, 2025. (Amaya Edwards — Santa Cruz Local/CatchLight Local)

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY >> As federal government plans to tighten eligibility for SNAP payments over the next year threaten to remove or reduce grocery assistance for thousands of Santa Cruz County residents, Santa Cruz Local has compiled a list of resources for people seeking free meals and groceries.

See the map below for information on where to go for free cooked meals, food bank distributions, neighborhood food pantries, free pet food and other resources for veterans and seniors. For more information about applying for CalFresh, the state’s version of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and ways to volunteer or donate, see our full resource page.

This map does not include dozens of grocery distributions supported by Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County. To find a distribution near you or request a delivery, visit thefoodbank.org, call 831-662-0991 or email [email protected].

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