Santa Monica resources for residents experiencing food insecurity
October 28, 2025 2:50 PM
by Heather Averick
Updated Nov. 7, 2025
California families are beginning to see their full CalFresh/SNAP benefits restored on their EBT cards. On Nov. 7, a court ordered the Trump administration to immediately issue 100 percent of funding for 5.5 million California SNAP recipients. Following the regular process for providing CalFresh benefits, benefits are now beginning to be available on recipients’ cards so that families can again access the food they need.
Despite this good news, many in our community will still struggle with food insecurity. In response to impacts of the federal shutdown, the rising cost of groceries, and the upcoming holiday season, the Human Services Division has partnered with the Westside Food Bank to support Santa Monica residents.
Beginning Nov. 10 and continuing for the next several weeks, food donation boxes will be available at the following city facilities:
- Virginia Avenue Park, Park Center
- Santa Monica Fire Stations 1, 2, 3, and 5
- Lobbies at City Hall and City Hall East
- Santa Monica Main and Montana Branch Libraries
- Santa Monica Public Safety Facility
- A weekly food pantry at Virginia Avenue Park, which serves an average of 220 households weekly and is run in coordination with Westside Food Bank. Westside Food Bank contributes to many regional food pantries and has a variety of available resources.
- Meals on Wheels West, which assists homebound individuals, both elderly and/or disabled
- WISE Diner, which provides lunch to seniors Monday through Friday at Ken Edwards Center
Please also see this flyer for a comprehensive list of Santa Monica resources.
Other local and regional food resources include:
If you are a Santa Monica resident experiencing food insecurity, please don't hesitate to contact the Human Services Division at (310) 458-8701 or humanservices@santamonica.gov for assistance.
Authored By
Heather Averick
Director of Housing and Human Services