There are many resources and services available in our community to help residents during times of food insecurity. Use the links below as a starting point to finding the services you need. We are also happy to help you search for more information.
Food Drives
Drop off dry-goods food donations at any of our branches. MCFL is serving as collection sites for donations in partnership with ExtraFood, a local organization that works with food banks throughout Marin. ExtraFood will pick up donated items directly from our branches for community distribution.
Highly desired items include:
- Canned soup/chili
- Nuts/dried fruit
- Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Peanut Butter
- Rice
- Beans
- Canned Tuna
- Beef Jerky
- Protein Bars
- Kids snack bars
- Mac and Cheese
Please check the flyers below for more information:
Food
Food Banks & Support Organizations
- SF Marin Food Bank - Use the Food Locator tool to find food assistance in your area.
- Food Banks include:
- Bolinas Community Food Pantry, 14 Wharf Rd, Bolinas
Thursdays 11am-1pm - Fairfax Food Pantry, 2398 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax
Saturdays 8-10am - Kerner Drive-thru Pantry, 2550 Kerner Blvd, San Rafael
Saturdays 10am-2pm - Mt. Tam Food Pantry, 410 Sycamore Ave, Mill Valley
Tuesdays 10-11:30am - Ritter Center, 16 Ritter St, San Rafael
Mondays, Wednesdays, 10am-3pm
Enrollment at 9:30 am M-W-F. See details. - St Vincent de Paul, 820 B St, San Rafael
Breakfast 6:30-8am; Lunch 11am-1pm - West Marin Community Service Food Bank, 11431 CA-1, Suite 10, Point Reyes Station
Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri 9am-12pm and Thu 12-5pm
- Bolinas Community Food Pantry, 14 Wharf Rd, Bolinas
- Marin Community Clinics Health Hubs - food distribution at San Rafael and Novato Clinics
- Canal Alliance Food Pantry - food distribution in San Rafael
- Adopt a Family of Marin - emergency assistance support to provide stability for families in crisis
- Vivalon - provides meal services to Marin County's older adults and people with disabilities
- Marin HHS CalFresh/SNAP - provides low-income individuals & families with a benefit card to be used at grocery stores (unavailable during federal government shutdown)
Free Food Offerings at Local Businesses
Free and discounted meals to families impacted by the lack of funding for SNAP:
- Equator Coffees - Larkspur, Mill Valley, Sausalito
Show your current SNAP card and ID. Have your child with you. All Equator cafes will provide a free pastry & choice of milk for children. No purchase required. Accompanying adult receives 50% off any purchase. - Fire Swamp Provisions - San Rafael
Go to the Farmer's Market stall (Thursday or Sunday) and say, "I’m picking up an order for Uncle Tony". - Humbowl - San Rafael
Children under 12 can receive a free meal (no purchase necessary), and anyone else can receive 25% off. Present your SNAP card at the register to qualify. - Mill Valley Pasta Co. - Mill Valley, San Rafael, Farmer's Markets
Show up to any of MVP’s locations and let the cashier know that you’re “Picking up an order for Uncle Tony.” - Shrimp'n Ain't Eazy - Check Instagram for food truck location
Chicken garlic burrito and a drink for children 16 years old and younger, plus a discount for parents. Up to five burritos per week per family. - Tommy's Salsa - Novato
Children 15 and under can receive a Little Amigo Burritos from November 1-15. To qualify, bring your SNAP card to the register
Food for Pets
- Marin Humane - Novato
Mention that you are impacted by the government shutdown, and they will ensure your pets don't go hungry.
Disclaimer
While sharing these resources is intended to connect community members with relevant information, Marin County Free Library is not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through the sites referenced herein and does not endorse these organizations or the accuracy of the advice these organizations may provide.
