CAPK Food Bank
Last updated August 2026
Call 211 and ask for the food distribution nearest you. CAPK's Food Bank supplies more than 200 emergency food sites across Kern County, so there's likely one close by.
The phone call comes first because every site sets its own days and hours. Tell the operator where you live and how you'll get there, and ask what the site expects: some distributions are drive-through, some walk-up, and a few ask a couple of basic questions for their own counts. What none of them involve is an application you wait on. Show up during distribution hours and you leave with groceries the same day.
Know what you're getting: groceries to cook with, not a hot plate of food. If what you need is a cooked meal today, The Mission at Kern County serves three a day at 816 East 21st Street, and the Salvation Army adds a sit-down senior lunch on Tuesdays at 4417 Wilson Road.
Low-income seniors: ask about the monthly Senior Food Box while you're on the line.
A food box fixes today; CalFresh fixes the month. It loads grocery money on an EBT card every month, and households with almost nothing (under $150 in monthly income and under $100 on hand) may get benefits within 3 days. Apply while the box holds you over: (661) 631-6062.
Phone (661) 336-5236
Updated August 2026 Program details can change — confirm with the program directly.
Who qualifies
- Anyone in Kern County who needs food help
- Senior Food Box program for eligible low-income seniors
You may qualify. The program makes the final decision.
What the application looks like
Common questions
How do I find a CAPK food distribution near me?
Dial 211 (they keep the list of all 200+ sites) or call the Food Bank directly at (661) 336-5236.
Do I have to prove I qualify to get food?
The Food Bank serves anyone in Kern County who needs food help. The one exception is the Senior Food Box, which goes to eligible low-income seniors.
What is the Senior Food Box?
A monthly food box program for eligible low-income seniors, run through the CAPK Food Bank. Call (661) 336-5236 to ask about enrollment.
Do I need to bring anything to get food?
Usually nothing. Some sites ask your name and household size for their records, and that's the extent of it. If you're worried about paperwork, ask 211 about the specific site before heading over.
Can I really get groceries the same day?
Yes. Distributions hand out food during their posted hours with no application in the way. The only homework is calling 211 first so you arrive at the right site at the right time.
How often can I come back?
Each site runs its own schedule, so ask when 211 gives you the referral. And you can use more than one: Golden Empire Gleaners and the Salvation Army distribute food in Bakersfield too.
Is there food help specifically for young kids?
WIC: free healthy food and nutrition support for pregnant women and children under 5, run locally by CAPK at (866) 327-3074. It's separate from the Food Bank, and using one doesn't affect the other.
Not sure this is the right program for your situation?
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