Last verified 2026-05-17
The Food Bank of Nevada County gives out free groceries every month at sites across the county. You do not need to prove income. You do not need to bring paperwork unless you are picking up for another household. Anyone can come. [Source: foodbankofnc.org/get-food-here (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Who can get food
Everyone. The Food Bank states plainly: "Anyone can attend our distributions. We serve everyone!" There is no income test, no ID requirement, and no sign-up. Walk up, drive up, or bike up. [Source: foodbankofnc.org/get-food-here (accessed 2026-05-17)]
What you get
A bag or box of groceries: produce, shelf-stable items, and (when available) dairy, eggs, or protein. Contents vary by week and by what donors and the regional food bank supply.
Where and when (2026 schedule)
The Food Bank does not hand out food from its warehouse on Railroad Ave. You must go to one of these distribution sites:
Grass Valley — twice a month
Grass Valley Seventh Day Adventist Church
12889 Osborne Hill Rd, Grass Valley, CA 95945
2nd and 4th Thursday, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Higgins Corner — once a month
Sierra Pines United Methodist Church
22559 W Hacienda Dr, Grass Valley, CA 95945
3rd Thursday, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
North San Juan — once a month
Oak Tree School
18847 Oak Tree Rd, North San Juan, CA 95960
2nd Tuesday, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Little Town of Washington — once a month
Washington Fire Department
15406 Washington Rd, Washington, CA 95986
3rd Wednesday, starting at 12:00 pm
[Source: foodbankofnc.org/get-food-here (accessed 2026-05-17)]
How to go
- Pick the site closest to you from the list above.
- Show up during the listed hours. No appointment, no sign-in form for yourself.
- Drive, walk, or bike up. Walkers and bikers are welcome at drive-through sites — call (530) 272-3796 ahead if you have questions.
- Bring bags or a box if you can.
Picking up for someone else
If you are picking up food for another household (a neighbor, an elderly relative, someone who can't get there), you need to fill out an Alternate Pickup Form before each pickup. New forms are available at every distribution, or download one ahead of time from foodbankofnc.org/get-food-here. [Source: foodbankofnc.org/get-food-here (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Other food in Nevada County
If the Food Bank dates don't work for you, these places also give out free food:
- Interfaith Food Ministry — 440 Henderson St, Grass Valley. Mon/Wed/Fri 10 am–1 pm, plus Sat 10 am–12 pm. (530) 273-8132
- Penn Valley Seventh Day Adventist Church — 17645 Penn Valley Dr, Penn Valley. Every Thursday 9:30–11:30 am
- Colfax Seventh Day Adventist Church — 454 Scholtz Ave, Colfax. 3rd Sunday 1–3 pm
- NSJ Family Resource Center — 18847 Oak Tree Rd, North San Juan. Tue & Thu 10 am–2 pm
- High School Food Pantry (Nevada Union, Bear River, Silver Springs) — see uwnc.org/high-school-food-pantry-1 for current hours
[Source: foodbankofnc.org/get-food-here (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Free hot meals nearby
- Sierra Roots — First Community Church, 300 Main St, Nevada City. Thursdays 11:30 am
- Holy Trinity Community Meal — 201 High St, Nevada City. Tuesdays 4:00 pm
- North San Juan Community Center — 29190 CA-49. Tuesdays 5:30 pm (donation-based or free with EBT)
- Grass Valley United Methodist Church — 236 S Church St. Last Friday of the month at 5:30 pm (date may vary)
If you need food today
Call 2-1-1. It's free, 24/7, and they will find you something open right now. Or visit 211connectingpoint.org/nevada-county/food/.
Beyond emergency food: CalFresh and WIC
Monthly groceries from the food bank are meant to supplement your budget, not replace it. If you have low income, you may also qualify for:
- CalFresh (food stamps) — monthly money on an EBT card to spend at any grocery store or farmers market. Apply at benefitscal.com. Most applicants get an answer within 30 days, and emergency benefits in as little as 3 days if you have very little income or cash on hand. [Source: cdss.ca.gov/calfresh (accessed 2026-05-17)]
- WIC — for pregnant women, new moms, and kids under 5. Free healthy food, breastfeeding help, and health referrals. Apply at cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CFH/DWICSN. [Source: cdph.ca.gov (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Common pitfalls
- Don't go to 310 Railroad Ave expecting food. That's the office and warehouse. Food is given out only at the distribution sites listed above.
- Check the schedule. Most sites only run once or twice a month. Mark your calendar.
- Bring bags. You'll carry more home if you do.
- Holidays can shift dates. Call (530) 272-3796 if a distribution falls on or near a holiday.
Contact
Food Bank of Nevada County
310 Railroad Ave #100, Grass Valley, CA 95945 (office only — no food pickup here)
Phone: (530) 272-3796
Website: foodbankofnc.org
501(c)(3) nonprofit, Tax ID #68-0083105
Freshness update (2026-05-30): The Food Bank rotates its distribution sites and dates a few times a year. As of late May 2026, the official site (foodbankofnc.org/get-food-here) lists a slightly different mix of sites than the schedule above — for example, PV (Penn Valley) Seventh Day Adventist Church, 17645 Penn Valley Dr, on the 1st Thursday (no January), and several sites listed as "call for info." Before you drive out, check the current calendar at foodbankofnc.org/get-food-here or call (530) 272-3796 so you don't show up on an off day. Everything else above (no income test, no ID, bring bags, no food at the Railroad Ave office) still holds.