Get Food Assistance

Who Can Get Food

Food insecurity affects people in different ways - from those who sometimes worry about running out of food to households that have to skip meals or reduce portions because there isn't enough money. At Our Hope, we try to make it easy for people to get help when they need it, without creating barriers that prevent access to emergency food.

We use what's called a "low-barrier" approach, which means we don't require extensive proof of income or need for most of our programs. We do ask people to fill out a basic intake form with contact information and household size for our reporting purposes, but we don't turn anyone away based on income. That said, some specialized programs or benefits like CalFresh do have specific eligibility requirements that are set by government regulations.

Ways to Get Food

Our Main Food Pantry

Our warehouse facility at 1234 Main Street in Santa Clara runs a weekly food pantry where you can choose your own food items based on what your family needs and will actually use. This "client-choice" approach lets you pick foods that fit your dietary needs, cultural preferences, and cooking abilities, rather than receiving a pre-packed box that might contain things you can't eat or don't know how to prepare.

Partner Sites Around the Area

We know not everyone can get to our main location because of transportation issues, work schedules, or distance. That's why we partner with about 45 other organizations - churches, community centers, senior centers, and nonprofits - throughout Santa Clara, Alameda, and San Mateo Counties. These partner sites get regular food shipments from us and distribute to their communities.

Each partner organization runs their program a little differently - they have their own hours, some might focus on specific groups like seniors or veterans, and they may have different requirements for who can receive food. You'll need to contact the partner site directly to find out their schedule and what they need from you. We can provide a list of partners in your area if you call our main office.

Mobile Food Pantry

Our mobile pantry is a refrigerated truck that brings food directly to neighborhoods that don't have easy access to grocery stores or our main location. We set up at parks, community centers, senior housing, and other spots on a regular schedule. The mobile pantry has both fresh foods like produce and proteins, plus shelf-stable items.

Help Applying for CalFresh (Food Stamps)

CalFresh is California's version of the federal SNAP program (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), which many people still call "food stamps" even though it uses an EBT card now instead of actual stamps. CalFresh provides monthly benefits to help low-income households buy groceries at most stores, farmers markets, and some online retailers.

The application process involves a lot of paperwork and can be confusing, especially if you're not familiar with government programs or if English isn't your first language. That's why we have staff who specialize in helping people apply for CalFresh. They can help you fill out forms, gather the right documents, and prepare for your interview with the county. This service is completely free.

Who Qualifies for CalFresh

CalFresh has income limits based on your household size and total income. The program looks at your gross income (before taxes) and net income (after certain deductions like rent and childcare). Generally, if your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, you might qualify, though the county will also consider your expenses and other factors when making the final decision.

Documents You'll Need

To complete a CalFresh application, you'll need to provide documents that prove who you are, where you live, how much money comes into your household, and what your expenses are. Our staff can help you figure out what documents you need and find alternatives if you're missing something.

Common documents include: photo ID for adults in your household; proof you live in California (like a utility bill or lease); pay stubs or other proof of income from jobs, unemployment, Social Security, disability, child support, or any other source; rent or mortgage statements; utility bills; childcare costs if applicable; Social Security numbers for everyone applying; and for non-citizens, immigration documents. If you don't have all of these, our staff can work with you to find other ways to verify your information.

The Application Process

Applying for CalFresh involves several steps: first you submit the application (online, by mail, in person at the county office, or with our help); then the county reviews your documents; next you do an interview either in person or by phone; finally the county decides if you're approved and how much you'll get. The whole process normally takes about 30 days, though you might get benefits faster if you have very low income and little money in the bank.

Common Questions

Q: Do I need to prove my income to get food?

For our regular pantry and mobile distributions, no - we don't require income verification. We'll ask you to fill out a short form with basic information like household size for our records, but we don't deny food based on income. However, CalFresh and some other government programs do have income requirements.

Q: What if I don't live in Santa Clara, Alameda, or San Mateo County?

We mainly serve these three counties, but we don't turn people away in emergency situations. That said, your own county probably has a food bank that's more convenient for you. We can help you find resources in your area.

Q: What kind of food do you have?

What we have varies depending on donations and what's available through our suppliers, but we try to keep a mix of fresh produce (fruits and vegetables), proteins (meat, chicken, fish, eggs, beans), dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt), grains (bread, rice, pasta), and canned goods. We also try to stock foods that reflect different cultural preferences and dietary needs when possible.

Q: How often can I get food?

At our main pantry, you can come once every 7 days. Mobile pantries don't have a limit on how often you can visit, but you shouldn't go to multiple mobile sites on the same day. Partner agencies have their own policies that vary by location.