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 food assistance, 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 Times" 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, if you arrive after 1:00 PM, CRC staff can shop on your behalf as long as you still have your monthly pantry visit available.
If you are currently participating in CRC's case management programming, please follow the instructions below to schedule your next visit.
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 (2x per month)
Available to individuals and families participating in CRC’s case management programs. Participants will receive items based on household size and availability.
Eligibility: Client Choice Pantry access is twice a month by appointment only for those previously eligible for weekly visits. Please schedule an appointment online here.
New Participant: Contact CRC for current case management program eligibility.
Ticketing Time: 11:15 AM - 1:30 PM
Need assistance scheduling an appointment? Please call our Front Desk at (760) 300-3238.
Client Choice Pantry (Monthly)
Monthly assistance is available to help individuals and families access healthy and nutritious food options.
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
Saturday Distribution (Monthly)
Monthly on the 2nd Saturday
CRC is committed to providing assistance to those facing food insecurity within our community. Our Saturday distribution provides alternative access to CRC's Client Choice Pantry.
Eligibility: Individuals are eligible for this alternative distribution who are unable to access the pantry during regular week hours due to work, prior responsibilities, or other circumstances. Note that this visit will count as the monthly access to CRC’s Food & Nutrition Center.
Distribution Time: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Access to the Saturday Produce Market is by appointment 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 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 Times:
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM
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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