Food &
Nutrition

Community Resource Center’s Food & Nutrition Center provides healthy and nutritious food to individuals and families who are hungry or food insecure.

About CRC's Food & Nutrition Services

We believe no one should go hungry, and that helping our neighbors access healthy food is vital. As one of the few client-choice food pantries in North County, CRC is committed to supporting dignity through the power of choice—allowing you to select the food items that best fit your needs and your family.

CRC’s Food & Nutrition Center offers three separate food programs (see details below). When you arrive, please check in at our lobby (the door next to the Social Services sign). If it’s your first visit, you’ll be asked to complete an enrollment form.

First Light Program: After check-in, CRC staff will provide you with a numbered ticket. The "Ticketing Time" listed below is when tickets are available and the "Selection Time" is when ticket numbers are called for folks to make their selections.

Client Choice Pantry: An appointment is required. CRC staff will check if any same-day appointments are available. If none are open, we can assist you in scheduling a future appointment or provide you with a pre-packaged selection of nonperishable items.

CRC’s Food & Nutrition Center is located at 650 2nd Street, Encinitas. Please contact our Social Services office if you have any questions:

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

We encourage you to bring your own reusable bags. Service animals are always welcome. Diapers and period supplies are available upon request, while supplies last.

Please note that our Food & Nutrition Center will be closed on the first Monday of every month beginning in January 2026.

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.

You will not be able to access our Client Choice Pantry on the same day you receive First Light. You are still eligible to receive USDA Commodities.

Ticketing Time: 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Selection Time: 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Client Choice Pantry (Monthly)

Designed to support individuals and families in accessing healthy, nutritious food options, CRC’s Client Choice Pantry provides monthly access to items, which may include frozen meat, eggs, dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, and essential canned goods.

Starting January 2, 2026, pantry visits will transition to once-a-month access by appointment only for all participants. This change is designed to create a more dignified, equitable, and efficient experience for everyone.

Appointment Details

Appointments are available Monday–Friday, beginning at 11:15 a.m. with the last appointment at 1:15 p.m.

Appointments can be scheduled in-person, over the phone by calling (760) 300-3238, or online through Calendly at this link.

Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled appointment and check in at the lobby.

If you arrive 5 minutes or later after your appointment time, you will need to reschedule, or you may receive a prepackaged selection of staple pantry items.

Eligibility: All low-income individuals and families.

New Participant: Complete enrollment forms at CRC offices or via email by contacting intake@crcncc.org.

schedule appointment (for current clients only)

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 the 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.

Availability: Available starting the 2^nd Wednesday of each month, while supplies last. USDA Commodities can be picked up during regular Social Services office hours & are offered in addition to our other food programs

Monday-Thursday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM