If your family is feeling the pinch with SNAP funding on hold, you’re not alone — and Chico is full of organizations ready to help. We’ve rounded up local resources where you can find free groceries, community meals, and kid-friendly food programs to make things a little easier.
Local Food Pantries and Food Banks
- The Food Bank at Hope Commons Church — 1184 East Ave, Chico. Mondays at 4:30; bags distributed at 5PM. Anyone can receive a bag.
- North State Food Bank — Multiple dates and locations; see website. Income restrictions apply.
- Chico Community Food Pantry - 1386 Longfellow Ave., Chico. Open 9-Noon Monday-Friday.
- Mount of Olives Food Bank - 2833 Fort Wayne Street, Oroville. Fridays 1-2PM. Each adult with an ID will receive a box of fresh and non-perishable foods.
- Salvation Army Chico Corps - 567 East 16th Street, Chico. 2-4PM on Tuesdays.
- Salvation Army Oroville Corps - 1640 Washington Ave, Chico. 10-12 and 1-3 M-W, 10-12 Thursdays
- Paradise Lutheran Church, 780 Luther Drive off Skyway, Free lunch Fridays from 12:00 - 1:30pm All are welcome!
- Magalia Community Church, 13700 Old Skyway, Magalia. Food pantry/USDA Commodities available to low income residents & seniors, based on availability.
- First Baptist Church of Paradise, 6500 Clark Road. Food pantry Tues/Fri 12:00 - 4:00pm starting in January, USDA Commodities the 3rd Tues of each month 10:00am - 11:00am.
- Smoker's Paradise in Magalia Blessing Table, 14458 Skyway, Magalia - Food and clothing items available, please check with them ahead of time for availability.
- First Christian Church, 5738 Pentz Road, Paradise - Walk-in Food Pantry Saturdays 11:00am - 1:00pm, Sundays 12:00 - 1:00pm.
- The Family Pantry - Coordinating a "meal meet" every week, serving 5 families at a time. Families will combine the ingredients they have on hand to create a meal in a provided kitchen space. Contact Reanna Paulo at TheFamilyPantry@yahoo.com for more information.
- Little Bits of Happy Corporation - Kids' Food Pantry available by registration. Registration is by email ONLY
for Oroville FAMILIES ONLY LittleBitsofHappyLLC@gmail.com 
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Community Meals & Free Food Events
- Operation Hope — 2620 Fifth Ave., Oroville. Hot meals 6 days a week; Tuesday-Sunday 10-11AM and 3-4PM. Attendees can also be referred for Family Food Box outreach.
- Gracepoint Church of Oroville - 1619 10th Street, Oroville. Free community Thanksgiving dinner on November 25th from 5-7PM or while supplies last.
Blessing Boxes, Little Free Pantries, & Community Fridges
These small, take-what-you-need spots are stocked by neighbors and open 24/7:
- Chico Community Fridge - 1432 Hemlock Street, Chico. This fridge is in a public space and can be accessed by anyone, at any time.
- Little Free Pantry - Across the street from 136 West 16th Street, Chico.
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💕 Ways to Help Others
If your family is in a position to give back, many of these groups welcome donations or volunteers. A few cans of soup, a bag of rice, or a few minutes helping stock shelves can make a real difference.
Drop-Off Locations
- Creekside Cafe and Mercantile - 1080 Humboldt Ave., Chico. Tues-Fri 7-1PM, Sat-Sun 8-1PM
More Local Resources
- 211 Helpline: Call 211 or visit 211.org for up-to-date information on food, housing, and family resources in Chico.
- Feeding America: Find additional food pantries at FeedingAmerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank.
Macaroni KID Chico is here to support local families — whether it’s finding fun things to do or helping when times are tough. Because being part of Chico means showing up for each other — and we’re always here to help you find what your family needs.
