Often refugee families have little or no resources, and may need temporary help to get enough food for their households.  Here are some food-related resources:

Community Gardens

There are a variety of community gardens in the area where families can grow food for their households.  To learn more about community gardens, contact Franklin Yang.

Fresno Area Food Pantries

Many churches and community centers in the area have programs where families in need can get a bag of grocery staples to tide them over.  Some programs may have limits on how frequently clients may receive help (for example, only once per month).

List of Community Food Bank Partner Pantries, searchable by zip code

Meal Programs

Monday through Friday, FIRM provides a daily hot lunch for elders at noon.  Elders (60+ years) eat free.  Persons under 60 may purchase lunch for $3.50.

Poverello House serves primarily homeless, but also food-needy persons, provides three meals a day, 365 days a year.  Times and location may be found on the Poverello website.

CalFresh (formerly known as “Food Stamps”)

The CalFresh Program, formerly known as Food Stamps and federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), can add to an eligible family’s food budget to put healthy and nutritious food on the table. The program issues monthly electronic benefits that can be used to buy most foods at many markets and food stores.  For more information, eligibility requirements and links to applications, click here.