Our school district provides free breakfast and lunch daily to all enrolled students, regardless of household income. While meals are completely free for every child, it is vital that families complete our annual funding survey to protect our school's educational budget.

• The Benefit: Every single student can eat breakfast and lunch at no cost on campus every school day. No application is required for a student to eat.

• Why the Form Matters: State and federal education funding received by our district is directly dependent on family income data. Filling out this form brings essential funding to our classrooms for technology, math and reading support, counselors, and campus resources.

• What to Complete: We ask that every family take two minutes to fill out the Alternate Income Form (also known as the Local Control Funding Formula/LCFF collection form).

• How to Submit: Parents can complete the secure form online through the District Parent Portal or request a physical paper copy from their school’s front office clerk. All information submitted is completely confidential and protected by privacy laws.

Weekly Public Food Distribution – Heart of Compassion

The Heart of Compassion Food Distribution Program provides nutritional support to local families with no city residency or income restrictions. Anyone 18 years or older is qualified to receive food.

• When: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM.

• Format: Primarily a drive-thru format. If you do not have a car, walk-up distribution is available beginning at 10:30 AM.

• Registration: Starts at 7:30 AM on Mines Ave, directly across from Applied Technologies Center (ATC) High School *1200 W. Mines Ave, Montebello, CA 90640.

• Guidelines: Limit of one household visit per week. All items are available while supplies last.

• What to Bring: Please bring a form of identification (ID).

• Location & Contact: 600 S. Maple Ave., Montebello, CA 90640 | Phone: (323) 727-7997

• Website: Visit Heart of Compassion for additional program details.

The MAOF Food Bank Program is a stand-alone emergency assistance initiative operated by the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation. This program relies on a simple self-certification process and features no strict identification, city residency, or citizenship requirements. www.1degree.org/opp/get-free-groceries-mexican-american-opportunity-commerce, sgvc.org/places/mexican-american-opportunity-foundation/

• When (Distribution): Thursdays from 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM (or until supplies run out).

• Guidelines: Open to all families and individuals in need. Food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

• Location & Contact: 401 N. Garfield Avenue, Montebello, CA 90640 | Phone: (323) 278-3628 *Alternative: (323) 890-9600

• Website: Visit the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation (MAOF) to explore additional family and child development programs

The Salvation Army Emergency Food Pantry works closely with regional partners to provide a diverse selection of canned goods, nonperishable staples, and nutritional items. This program aims to support the health and well-being of local neighbors struggling with food insecurity.

• When (Pantry Intake): Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM.

(General office hours are Monday–Friday from 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM).

• Guidelines: Open to families and individuals residing within local service zip codes (including 90640, 90022, 90023, 90063, and 91754). Households may receive assistance once per month.

• What to Bring: Please bring a photo identification (ID) card for intake verification.

• Location & Contact: 140 N. Eastman Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90063 | Phone: (323) 263-7577

• Website: Visit The Salvation Army East LA Temple Corps to learn about additional utility, senior, and after-school support services.

CalFresh: Food Assistance

CalFresh is a California program that helps individuals and families with limited income buy food. Benefits are added each month to an EBT card, which can be used to purchase groceries at participating stores.

If you have lost your job, your income has decreased, or you need help buying food, you can apply for CalFresh at any time.

• Apply Online: Visit BenefitsCal.com to apply for benefits, submit required documents, or renew your benefits online at any time.

• Apply by Phone: Call the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) Customer Service Center at (866) 613-3777. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM–5:30 PM.

The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank coordinates an extensive network of hundreds of partner agencies, soup kitchens, and local distribution centers across the county. Because their primary warehouses do not distribute food directly to individuals, families should use their digital portal to find free food closest to their home. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

• How to Find Food: Visit the official interactive LA Regional Food Bank Pantry Locator online. Simply input your home address or zip code to view a customized map and list of all active local distributions in your immediate area. [1, 2, 3]

• Alternative Lookup (Phone): If you do not have internet access, you can dial 211 from any phone to speak with a representative who will navigate local options for you. Seniors looking for specialized grocery box home deliveries can call (323) 234-3030 ext. 170. [1, 2]

• Guidelines & Requirements: The locator portal is free to use. While the food bank network has no citizenship requirements, individual local pantries may vary regarding their specific hours, ID rules, or neighborhood zip code restrictions.
  [1, 2]

• Important Tip: Pantry distribution schedules change frequently. Always call the specific local partner site listed on the locator tool before commuting to verify their current hours.

The California WIC Program is a federally funded health and nutrition program designed to support growing families. WIC provides free healthy foods (via a reusable grocery card), personalized nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and helpful community referrals. [1, 2, 3]

• Who Qualifies: The program is open to pregnant individuals, new parents (postpartum or breastfeeding), and caregivers of children under the age of 5 (including grandparents, foster parents, or fathers). Eligibility is based on household income guidelines, and families already receiving Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or CalWORKs automatically qualify. [1, 2]

• Apply by Text: The quickest way to start your application locally is by phone. Text the word APPLY (for English) or SOLICITAR (for Spanish) to 91997. [1, 2]

• Apply Online: You can submit your information directly through the PHFE WIC Online Application portal. Once submitted, a representative will call you within a few days to complete your enrollment over the phone. [1, 2]

• Phone Support: You can contact the local regional service hub at (888) 942-2229 to check application statuses or schedule a localized clinic appointment. [1, 2]

Weekly Food Distribution – YMCA Commerce–Montebello

The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles – FeedLA Program provides free food assistance to individuals and families in the community. No YMCA membership is required to receive food.

• When: Thursdays from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, or until supplies run out.

• Format: Food distribution is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Eligibility: Open to anyone in need. No YMCA membership is required.

• What to Bring: Contact the YMCA to confirm any requirements before your visit.

• Location & Contact: 2000 W. Beverly Blvd., Montebello, CA 90640 | Phone: (323) 887-9622

• Website: Visit FeedLA for food distribution schedules and additional program details. You can also visit the YMCA Commerce–Montebello website.

Emergency Food Pantry 

The Community Family Service Center (CFSC) offers a free emergency food pantry for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. Food is available to help provide nourishing items to those in need.

Location: Community Family Service Center - 6662 Loveland St., Bell Gardens, CA 90201
Days: Monday–Friday
Hours: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

Family Food Program - Free Farmers Market

The Family Food Program provides free food to families each month. Food may include shelf-stable items, fresh produce, and protein. Available while supplies last.

Location: Bell Gardens Veterans Park - Ross Hall -  6662 Loveland St, Bell Gardens, CA 90201 

Upcoming Dates:

• Saturday, October 17, 2026

• Saturday, November 21, 2026

Tickets: Distributed starting at 9:00 AM
Food Distribution: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Phone number: (562) 806-7654

Website: www.bellgardens.org/government/city-departments/recreation-community-services/community-family-service-center