Emergency Food

emergency food distribution

River City Food Bank’s Emergency Food Distribution has 2 locations: Midtown and Arden-Arcade. These sites are open five days a week to provide healthy, nutritious food to anyone experiencing food insecurity in Sacramento County. RCFB utilizes a Choice Food Model where each guest can select the items that best meet their needs. All are welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

At River City Food Bank (RCFB), all people are welcome! We do not require proof of income or ID to receive food.

During the intake process, you will be asked some questions for information purposes, but you do not have to provide it to receive food. We suggest bringing the following items:

  1. Your own cart or bags to carry groceries
  2.  ID is helpful, but not required

RCFB strives to provide an assortment of healthy food options, which will depend on the season and availability. During distribution, you will be offered:

  1. Dried goods (e.g. pasta, beans, rice, etc.)
  2. Canned goods (e.g. canned fruit, canned vegetables, soup, tomato sauce, etc.
  3. Fruits & Vegetables (e.g. apples, oranges, bananas, etc.)
  4. Dairy (e.g. milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, etc.)
  5. Protein (e.g. chicken, pork, beef, peanut butter, tuna, etc.)
  6. Bread/whole grains (e.g. sliced bread, English muffins, tortillas, etc.)

RCFB also has a “non-cook” table which offers ready to eat food for any guest without access to a kitchen.

If you have any special diet needs (e.g. halal, vegetarian, and vegan), please ask a staff member or volunteer to see what options are available.

Midtown site:

Parking is street only (2 hour). Please do not park in the Church parking lot as it is paid permit only and you will be towed.

Arden-Arcade site:

Parking is available in the lots at The Center at St. Matthew’s during our hours of operation. Street parking is also available.

 

Yes, we can provide the following items when available, upon request:

  1. Baby food/formula
  2. Baby Diapers/wipes
  3. Adult diapers
  4. Pet food (cat & dog)
  5. Hygiene Items (e.g. shampoo, soap, deodorant, feminine products, toothpaste and tooth brushes)

You can request these items from a volunteer or staff member when you go through the distribution line.

If you are in line, you will receive food. Although the line may look long, it will go quickly once distribution begins at 10:30am. On average, RCFB serves 70 people an hour.

Yes, you can pick up food for someone else in need. Please complete this form and bring with you.

Starting September 29th, guests can only pick up for 1 additional household.

Guests may access all available groceries through our choice emergency food distribution one time per week.  Guests may return to RCFB as needed but, if returning a second time the same week, they will only be able to access non-perishable foods (e.g., canned and dry goods).

Unsheltered guests, who do not have a place to cook or store food, can access perishable and canned foods as needed during operating hours..

Please note that guests will never be turned away during operating hours, but the choice of items will be limited if visiting RCFB more than one time during the same week.

Current schedules

Midtown

1800 28th St. Sacramento, CA 95816

Food Distribution Hours:

Beginning January 15, 2024

Tuesday & Thursday: 10:30am – 1:30pm

Arden-Arcade

The Center at St. Matthew’s

2300 Edison Ave Sacramento, CA 95821

Food Distribution Hours:

Beginning January 15, 2024

Wednesday & Friday: 10:30am – 1:30pm

This program funded in part by:

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This is an equal opportunity institution.