Last verified 2026-05-17
Interfaith Food Ministry (IFM) gives free groceries to anyone in Nevada County, CA who needs help putting food on the table. They've been doing this since 1987 and were voted Best Non-Profit of Nevada County two years in a row.
Who can get food
- Anyone living in Nevada County who needs help with groceries.
- You don't need to be on CalFresh or any other program first.
- If you don't have a home address, you can still get food — just tell them at check-in.
What you get
- A box of supplemental groceries — fresh produce, dairy, bread, canned goods, and meat when available.
- You can come back once every other week on any distribution day.
When and where
440 Henderson Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945 (the Beam Easy Living Center). Drive-through only — stay in your car. [Source: interfaithfoodministry.org/how-to-get-food.html (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Day | Hours |
Monday | 10–11 AM (reservation required) • 11 AM–1 PM (walk-up) |
Wednesday | 10–11 AM (reservation required) • 11 AM–1 PM (walk-up) |
Friday | 10–11 AM (reservation required) • 11 AM–1 PM (walk-up) |
Saturday | 10 AM–1 PM (walk-up, no reservation) |
Memorial Day 2026: Open Monday, May 25, 10 AM–12 PM (special hours). [Source: interfaithfoodministry.org (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Please don't arrive before 9:00 AM — the neighborhood asks for quiet mornings.
How to apply (first visit)
- Bring a photo ID with your name on it (driver's license, state ID, passport, etc.).
- Bring proof you live in Nevada County — a rental agreement, mortgage statement, utility bill (PG&E, NID, AT&T, Waste Management, propane), or credit-card statement addressed to you at your physical address. No address? Still come — just tell the volunteer at check-in.
- Reserve a 10–11 AM slot if you want to come Mon/Wed/Fri morning — book online at interfaithfoodministry.org or call 530-273-8132. The 11 AM–1 PM window and all of Saturday are walk-up.
- Drive through — volunteers will load groceries into your car. Stay in the line, follow the traffic controller, and don't block the Beam Easy Living Center entrances.
Common pitfalls
- Don't miss a reservation without canceling. Two no-shows = one-month suspension from the reservation system. You can still walk up during 11 AM–1 PM.
- Once every other week, not once a week. If you came Monday, you have to skip the next Mon/Wed/Fri/Sat distributions, then you can come back the week after.
- No smoking on the property or in the parking lot.
- Be kind to volunteers, even if you're having a rough day. IFM can refuse service for rude behavior.
Where to get more help
- Call IFM: 530-273-8132 (Mon–Sat business hours).
- Hospitality House in Grass Valley serves hot meals daily — call 530-271-7144.
- CalFresh (food stamps): apply at BenefitsCal.com for monthly grocery money. Most Nevada County households of 1 with income under ~$2,510/month qualify.
- Sierra Harvest Gleaning picks free fruit from backyard trees — see their page in our resource list.
Sources
- IFM "How to Get Food" page — interfaithfoodministry.org/how-to-get-food.html (accessed 2026-05-17)
- IFM homepage — interfaithfoodministry.org (accessed 2026-05-17)
Good Neighbor Requirements (you'll agree to these at check-in)
- Treat all people kindly and respectfully — no harsh language or rude behavior, even if you feel you're being treated unkindly.
- Stay in the drive-through line and be patient. The volunteers inside are busy packing your food.
- Place garbage in trash receptacles.
- Do NOT block the street entrances to Beam Easy Living Center. Follow the traffic controller's directions.
- Arrive at IFM no earlier than 9:00 AM.
- No smoking anywhere on the IFM premises or in the parking lot.
Not following these guidelines can cost you the privilege of receiving food at IFM.