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Now six weeks into the federal government shutdown, which has delayed and reduced CalFresh food assistance benefits, Redwood City residents can access a number of resources to keep their bellies full.
“With CalFresh benefits disrupted, many of our neighbors are feeling real hardship,” said Redwood City Mayor Elmer Martínez Saballos. “We want residents to know they’re not alone. Help is here, and our community stands ready to support anyone who needs food or a helping hand.”
The Fair Oaks Community Center at 2600 Middlefield Road has the latest information on local food programs, distributes emergency groceries and connects those in need with resources. Reach the FOCC at (650) 780-7500.
Bagged groceries and emergency food can be accessed at:
— St. Francis Center, 151 Buckingham Ave., which is open business days from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
— Verbo Ministries, 2798 Bay Road, which is open Wednesdays from noon to 1:30 p.m. and 8:30 to 9 p.m., and Fridays from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
— Catholic Worker House, 545 Cassia St., which offers fresh produce on Fridays from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.
Ready-to-eat meals can be found at:
— Catholic Worker House, 545 Cassia St., which offers free breakfast on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6:45 to 8:30 a.m.
— Street Life Ministries, 1300 Middlefield Road, which offers free dinner on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
— Fair Oaks Community Center, 2600 Middlefield Road, which offers sandwiches on Sundays from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley’s food banks in Redwood City are at:
— Taft Elementary School, 903 Tenth Ave., which is open on the second Wednesday of every month from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m.
— Hoover Elementary School, 701 Charter St., which is open on the first Thursday of the month from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
— John F. Kennedy Middle School, 2521 Goodwin Ave., which is open on the third Thursday of the month from 3 to 4 p.m.
Older adults can access low-cost meals at the Veterans Memorial Senior Center, located at 1455 Madison Ave., on business days from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. They can also find free lunches at the Fair Oaks Community Center, located at 2600 Middlefield Road, on business days from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., though a donation of $3.50 is suggested.
Volunteers, donors and local businesses interested in contributing to food distribution organizations may do so through the San Mateo County’s Department of Sustainability and Human Services, which publishes information here.
“Redwood City is a caring community, and we know many of our neighbors are feeling the effects of the federal shutdown,” said City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz. “We want residents to know that local support is here.”
