Monthly Free Grocery Food Box Distribution
The City of Irvine, in collaboration with Community Action Partnership of Orange County, is offering the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). Eligible residents will receive a box of food weighing approximately 30 pounds once a month. The box contains a variety of dried beans, fresh produce, canned and frozen vegetables, fruit/vegetable juice, meat (when available), poultry, fish, nuts, milk, cheese, rice, cereal, and pasta.
To view Income Guidelines, please click here. (link to a PDF that can be easily uploaded when Income Guidelines Change)
The food boxes will be available for pickup on a first-come, first-served basis Thursdays between 9 a.m. and noon on the following dates:
2025:
December 11
December 18
Pick up Location:
Heritage Park Community Center
14301 Yale Avenue
2026:
January 8
February 12
March 12
April 9
May 14
June 11
Please note: In 2026, the pick-up location will be at the Great Park, Lot 2. To view an interactive map of the Great Park please click here. To download a Great Park map, please click here. To volunteer to assist with the Grocery Food Box program, please click here.
CalFresh Enrollment:
The CalFresh Program, federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), issues monthly electronic benefits that can be used to buy most foods at many markets and food stores.
If you are interested in enrolling in the CalFresh Program or need assistance with recertification, you can make an appointment by using the appointment link below. You can also obtain additional information or schedule an appointment by contacting the Office of Health and Wellness at 949-724-6650, Press option “1”, or by email at foodbox@cityofirvine.org.
Medi-Cal Enrollment:
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid health care program that provides a variety of medical services for children and adults with limited income and resources. It serves low-income individuals, including families, seniors, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women. MediCal covers services such as doctor visits, dental care, and preventive health services.
If you are interested in enrolling in the Medi-Cal Program or need assistance with recertification, you can make an appointment by using the appointment link below. You can also obtain additional information or schedule an appointment by contacting the Office of Health and Wellness at 949-724-6650, Press option “1”, or by email at foodbox@cityofirvine.org.
Utility Assistance:
Need help paying your energy bill? Low-income Californians can apply for heating and cooling assistance under the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP. This program helps low-income people pay the cost of heating and cooling their homes. This is a federally funded program. To make an appointment to learn about eligibility criteria, receive a paper application or instructions to apply online, if preferred.