Food &
Nutrition
Community Resource Center’s Food & Nutrition Center provides healthy food and nutrition education to individuals and families who are hungry or food insecure.
About CRC's Food & Nutrition Services
If you are in need of emergency food, please contact our Social Services office.
650 2nd Street, Encinitas
Phone: (760) 300-3238
Email: intake@crcncc.org
Monday – Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
CRC serves as one of the only client choice pantries in north county. We believe in the dignity of choice, so you can select food items that make sense for your family.
Our Food and Nutrition Center uses a ticketing system to streamline the shopping experience. Once you are enrolled, CRC staff will provide you with a numbered ticket; when your number is called, it’s your turn to shop!
The "Ticketing Time" listed below are when tickets are available for that program and the "Selection" or "Shopping Times" are when numbers are called and shopping is available. Please note that while shopping is available for emergency food, if you come outside of ticketing and shopping times, CRC staff will be able to shop for you.
Daily Assistance:
First Light (1x per day)
Designed to provide light, ready to eat items for participants with limited access to cooking facilities.
Eligibility: All low-income individuals and families.
New Participant: Complete enrollment forms at CRC offices.
Not available in combination with Weekly Food and Nutrition program/Emergency Food program.
Ticketing Time: 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Selection Time: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Weekly Food (1x per week)
Available to individuals and families participating in CRC’s case management programs. Participants will receive items based on household size and daily availability.
Eligibility: Participants enrolled in CRC’s case management program.
New Participant: Contact CRC for current case management program eligibility.
Ticketing Time: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Shopping Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Emergency Assistance
Food (Monthly)
Assistance for individuals and families experiencing a food emergency is available monthly.
Eligibility: All low-income individuals and families.
New Participant: Complete enrollment forms at CRC offices.
Ticketing Time: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Shopping Time: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
*Outside of ticketing and shopping times, Emergency food is available via the Social Services Intake Window
USDA Commodities
CRC is a designated emergency site for the USDA Commodities Program that provides individuals and families with pre-bagged basic food items.
Eligibility: Participants must meet Emergency Food Assistance Program (EFAP) income guidelines for each year. Participants may reside in Encinitas or another city.
New Participant: Inquire about EFAP Commodities at CRC offices.
Ticketing Time
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Saturday Distribution (Monthly)
Monthly on the 2nd Saturday (Starting June 2024)
Providing fresh produce and food distribution at CRC's pantry. This visit will count as the monthly access to CRC’s Food & Nutrition Center.
Eligibility: CRC is committed to providing assistance to those facing food insecurity within our community. To ensure equitable distribution of resources and support those in need, we have established the following eligibility criteria:
- Individuals who are unable to access the pantry during regular week hours due to work, prior responsibilities, or other circumstances are eligible for this alternative distribution.
Distribution Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Access to the Saturday Produce Market is by appointment only.
Cooking Classes
Cooking classes are available for individuals participating in our Food and Nutrition program. Please consult with a CRC case manager or the food pantry for more information.
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