Community Food Distributions
The Imperial Valley Food Bank distributes food throughout the Imperial Valley in two main ways: by providing food to agencies and churches that distribute food for their neighbors and by hosting Mobile Food Pantries each month in areas of the Valley where there are not partner agencies.
The food we distribute is gathered from many sources. The principle source is the USDA Commodity program known as The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). We rescue food from local farms, grocery stores, and local distribution facilities. We also receive food from food drives, and whenever possible, we purchase food to fill the gaps in our food supply.
Need food assistance?
If you would like to sign up for our monthly food assistance program, we ask that you register in-person for a Food Bank ID card at the Imperial Valley Food Bank located at 486 West Aten Road in Imperial, CA. These cards allow you to easily access your monthly food distribution with the need to only register one-time.
To receive a Food Bank ID card, please bring a valid I.D. with date of birth and current address.
You will be asked to self-declare:
Your name and address; if you are experiencing homelessness, you can put homeless as the address
Your household size and that you reside in Imperial County
Your monthly household income does not exceed the amounts outlined in the TEFAP income guidelines
The TEFAP food you receive is for home consumption only and will not be sold or traded
You have read the USDA Nondiscrimination Statement
Once registered, you will be given a Food Bank ID card to use at a monthly distribution in your area.
If your I.D. does not have your current address, please bring:
Proof you live at an Imperial County address (electric, gas, phone or water bill is preferred)
Individuals who are renting a space within a home may bring in a letter from your landlord stating you live at the property.
After signing up, a Food Counselor will let you know when and where your food distribution site will be each month based on where you live or work. If you would like to make an appointment to get registered or have any questions about the sign-up process, please call us at 760-370-0966.
