For many families, summer can mean higher food costs. Children may not get meals at school during summer break. These programs and resources can help your family get healthy food this summer and throughout the year.
You may be able to get help from:
- SUN Bucks.
- CalFresh.
- Local food banks.
- Summer meal programs.
- Local farmers markets.
- Alliance Medically Tailored Meals.
- Women, Infants & Children (WIC).
SUN Bucks
SUN Bucks helps eligible families buy food for school-aged children during the summer. Families may get $120 for each eligible child.
Many eligible children are automatically enrolled. Some families may need to apply. Visit the SUN Bucks website to learn about eligibility and how to apply. Applications for SUN Bucks 2026 must be submitted by August 31, 2026. Children who receive SUN Bucks can still use other food programs, like CalFresh and Summer Meal Programs.
CalFresh
CalFresh can help with your household food budget. You can apply for CalFresh benefits online on BenefitsCal or by calling your county’s CalFresh office.
Mariposa County
209-966-2000
800-549-6741
Merced County
209-385-3000
Monterey County
877-410-8823
San Benito County
831-636-4180
Santa Cruz County
888-421-8080
Local food banks
Local food banks and pantries can provide fresh food and help you enroll in CalFresh. You can also call your local 211 to find pantries and distribution sites closer to home.
Mariposa County
- Merced County Food Bank: 209-726-3663
- Manna House of Mariposa: 209-742-7985, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Mariposa Heritage House Food Pantry: 209-966-7770. Call on a Monday to be considered for a food box.
Merced County
- Merced County Food Bank: 209-726-3663
- Merced Lao Family Community, Inc: 209-384-7384
- Catholic Charities: 209-383-2494
- Bethel Community Church, Los Banos: 209-827-0797
Monterey County
- Food Bank for Monterey County: 831-758-1523
- Catholic Charities, Diocese of Monterey: 831-393-3110 or 831-233-3304* can help you enroll in CalFresh
- The Salvation Army “Sabu Shake, Sr.” Good Samaritan Center (offers food boxes and meals)
- St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry: 831-424-1959
San Benito County
- Community Food Bank of San Benito: 831-637-0340
- The Salvation Army Hollister Corps: 831-636-9832
Santa Cruz County
- Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County Community Food Hotline: 831-662-0991
- Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Aptos Twin Lakes Church: (831) 465-3300.
- Weekly food pantry 3:45 to 5:15 PM Wednesday
- Catholic Charities, Diocese of Monterey: 831-393-3110 or 831-233-3304.* They can help you enroll in CalFresh.
- Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes: 831-722-4144
- St. Francis Catholic Soup Kitchen: 831-459-6712
Summer lunches from school districts
Contact your local school district to learn more about what is available. You can also check out the California Department of Education’s Summer Meal Sites page for other locations where children can get free meals.
Local farmers markets
You can look up local farmers markets that accept CalFresh.
Alliance Medically Tailored Meals
Some members may qualify for food support, such as medically tailored meals or meal delivery, if they have a medical need. See if you qualify.
Women, Infants & Children (WIC)
A nutrition program for eligible women, infants and children up to age 5. Find out more.
