As economic pressures continue to tighten household budgets, food insecurity is affecting more families across Northern California than ever before. In response, churches across the Northern California Conference are stepping into the gap, providing not just groceries, but hope, dignity, and community through vibrant food ministries.
Whether through Adventist Community Services (ACS) centers or church-run pantries and giveaways, these ministries go beyond simply filling stomachs—they restore dignity, build community, and offer hope to those facing hunger or hardship. At Carmichael Seventh-day Adventist Church, the conference’s largest church-based food ministry serves over 1,500 people every Wednesday. Students from Sacramento Adventist Academy join adults and retirees in packing boxes, directing traffic, and encouraging guests—demonstrating discipleship in action.
Many other churches make a significant impact as well. Auburn SDA Church, Pleasant Hill Church, and Hayward Spanish Church run robust food programs that consistently help families. Up north, Arcata-McKinleyville Church provides food boxes, clothing, and household essentials, while Placerville Church offers wellness resources alongside bi-monthly food distributions.
Smaller congregations are making a difference, too. In Lincoln, Lincoln Amazing Grace Church hosts a weekly drive-thru giveaway with Placer Food Bank, distributing groceries in a welcoming, no-ID-needed setting supported by students, church members, and community volunteers.
A Network of Food Ministries Across Northern California
From large distributions to smaller pantries, food ministries are touching communities throughout the region. Churches actively nourishing their neighbors include:
Carmichael Church
Auburn Church
Pleasant Hill Church
Hayward Spanish Church
Sacramento Capital City Church
Camino Church
San Andrea Church
St. Helena Church
El Sobrante Appian Way Church
Richmond Beacon Light Church
Emmanuel Temple Church
Stockton Mayfair Church
Stockton Valley Community Church
South Gate Church
Sacramento Slavic Church
Fortuna Church
Arcata-McKinleyville Church
Crescent City Church
Scott Valley Church
Placerville Church
Santa Rosa Church
West Sacramento Church
Sacramento Yugoslavian Church
Gratitude and Ongoing Support
We are immensely grateful to all who volunteer, donate, or share these ministries. Your support sustains programs that bring hope to thousands during a time of increased need. As the season continues, your ongoing involvement—through time, resources, or inviting others to participate—strengthens these ministries and spreads Christ’s love throughout our communities.
