The NestEggg Food Bank at The Center of Palm Springs, California

The NestEggg Food Bank is a flagship initiative of The Center that provides nutritional assistance for seniors and people with disabilities. Every Thursday evening all year long, we host a clean, safe and accessible Food Bank that provides FREE groceries for up to 275 households each week. Since 2008, the Food Bank at the Center has been providing fresh produce, baked goods, meat, canned goods, dairy and more to low-income Riverside County residents 55 years of age or older, and individuals who receive disability benefits, regardless of their age. Proof of residency in Riverside County and verification of disability benefits are required and all are welcome if they meet these basic requirements. The distribution of food happens every Thursday at 610 S. Belardo Rd. (Seniors starting at 6pm and People with Disabilities after Seniors have been served). If this is your first visit, bring a photo ID showing your Riverside County residency and verification of disability payments, if applicable, and proceed to the registration table to the right by the outside front door at 6:00 pm. Because we can only provide this service to a limited number of people each week, please contact The Center to see if we are taking new Food Bank Clients. The Program is limited to serving only 14,300 households a year, and is often at capacity. In working to reduce and eliminate hunger for these families, we’re building advocacy networks that are addressing this issue, not only in the LGBT community, but county-wide. The NestEggg Food Bank at The Center is so named in recognition of a substantial contribution from the NestEggg Group, LLC. The NestEggg Food Bank at The Center also receives support from The City of Rancho Mirage, The City of Palm Springs, FIND Food Bank, The Palm Springs Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, The Jewish Federation of the Desert, The Desert Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, Hidden Harvest, Desert Healthcare District, The Riverside County Foundation on Aging, and Supervisor John Benoit as well as individual contributions from members and local business owners.

Services provided :

  • food pantry

Appointments :

You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7. For the full set of services, you can call (760) 416-7790 to book your appointment.

Address :

610 S Belardo Rd,
Palm Springs, CA 92264.
Get Directions

Hours Of Operations :

  • Mon:
  • Tues:
  • Wed:
  • Thurs:
  • Fri:
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  • Sun:

Help Residents of Cities:

  • Palm Springs

Help Residents of Counties:

  • Riverside

Appointments

You can privately and easily book your appointment online for select services 24/7.

For the full set of services, you can call (760) 416-7790 to book your appointment. Staff can also answer any questions you may have.

Tips for Visiting a Food Pantry

Show up early.

This is very important. This means you will be first in line and have a chance to get the items that are sought after and in limited quantities such as fresh produce, dairy and frozen food.

You don't usually need to show up hours ahead of time but coming at least an hour before is usually a good idea.

Remember all documentation.

Many food pantries require documentation to prove who you are, and in some cases, where you live.

This is to make sure people are not coming more than they are allowed or using fake names to do so. Call ahead of time to find out what documentation is needed.

It's just your photo ID and a piece of mail that verifies your address.

Use several food banks.

Using more than one food bank (when available) is smart because you may be able to get something at one that you may not get at another.

For instance, one may have a deal with a local gardener that gives them their extras. This may mean this food bank has more produce.

Eligible for other programs?

Ask your Department of Social Services office if you are eligible for other assistance programs to supplement your household’s food supply.

They can easily tell you if you can apply for WIC (Women and Infant Children), USDA Commodities or SNAP(Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.

Ask about extras.

If you have special needs for infants or special diets, the pantries may be able to assist you.

Many times, they can help with diapers, baby formula, baby food, personal hygiene products, and even special diet items like gluten free or sugar free foods.

Go on different days of the week.

Depending on the food pantry, they may be open only one or two days a week or they may be open all seven days. When you have a choice, going midweek is often best as it is less crowded.

Be polite to workers.

Nearly everyone at a food bank is a volunteer. Be polite to the workers there as they often deal with highly emotional situations.

FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the difference between a food bank and a food pantry?

Independent community food pantries are self-governing and usually distribute food to their clients on a once-a-month basis. A food bank is the storehouse for millions of pounds of food and other products that go out to the community. A food pantry functions as the arms that reach out to that community directly.

2. What kind of food is at a food pantry?

Specifically, food banks often need items like:

  • Peanut butter
  • Canned soup
  • Canned fruit
  • Canned vegetables
  • Pasta
  • Canned beans
  • Canned stew
  • Canned fish

3. Who can go to food pantry?

At the majority of food pantries, eligibility is based on self-attested need. You do not need to have a referral, and income is not a factor to receive food.

4. What is the difference between a food pantry and a soup kitchen?

A food pantry provides three-day food packages to families that have a place to live, but not enough food. These packages are designed to provide nutritionally balanced meals. Soup kitchens serve individuals in need of a hot meal, the only meal of the day for many of them.

5. How does a food pantry work?

Food Banks acquire large donations of edible but unmarketable food from the food industry and distribute it to organizations that feed hungry people. Then they provide this food to family in a need.