Question 1

Where is Laguna Food Pantry?

Accepted Answer

The Laguna Food Pantry is located at 20652 Laguna Canyon Road in Laguna Beach, between the Dog Park and the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. Parking is free but limited; please observe posted signs regarding parking.

Question 2

Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to shop at the Pantry?

Accepted Answer

No. Our groceries are for anyone who is in need. We only ask your name and what community you live in for our record-keeping purposes. This helps us when applying for grant monies.

Question 3

Do I need to tell you how much money I make?

Accepted Answer

No. We take you at your word that you are in need of supplemental food.

Question 4

Do I have to live in Laguna Beach to get groceries?

Accepted Answer

No. We offer groceries to anyone who requests it.

Question 5

Don’t you feed only unhoused people?

Accepted Answer

No. In fact, only a small percentage of our groceries are consumed by people who are experiencing homelessness, and we do not inquire about one's housing status. We are located next to the Alternative Sleeping Location (ASL), an emergency overnight shelter run by Friendship Shelter in conjunction with the City of Laguna Beach, but the Laguna Food Pantry is a separate nonprofit entity.

Question 6

Who comes to the Pantry for groceries?

Accepted Answer

Every shopper is different. Some are seniors getting by on social security. Some are hampered in their earning power by a physical or mental disability. Some are temporarily sidelined from working by an injury. Many are working full-time at minimum-wage jobs but simply cannot afford to pay all their bills and put food on the table. We have seen people who used to donate to the Pantry come in for groceries; likewise, we have volunteers and donors who had previously experienced difficult times, got back on their feet financially, and returned to help us in our work providing groceries for those in need.

Question 7

What kind of food do you offer in your groceries?

Accepted Answer

We offer basic grocery items intended to be prepared in a kitchen for meals. Groceries typically include meat, dairy, eggs, fresh produce, and shelf-stable items. We often have a supply of packaged, ready-to-eat items.

Question 8

Where do you get the food you give away in groceries?

Accepted Answer

We purchase food in bulk from Second Harvest, a food bank in Irvine run by the nationwide nonprofit Feeding America. Businesses, schools, service clubs and churches hold food drives. Our volunteers pick up daily from several local grocery stores. Residents bring us their surplus of fresh produce from their gardens and orchards.

Question 9

Where do you get your funding?

Accepted Answer

Our modest budget comes from a combination of grant money and private donors.

Question 10

How many people are on staff?

Accepted Answer

We have an executive director, 11 staff members, and outside consultants for bookkeeping. Our operation depends on the generous community volunteers and board members who donate their time to helping us achieve our mission.

Question 11

Can I bring you leftover food from my party?

Accepted Answer

In a word, no. But it may depend on what the food is - call us to talk about it: 949-497-7121. If your need is urgent and we are not open, try calling the Friendship Shelter, a program for homeless adults based in Laguna Beach, to arrange a drop-off: 949-494-6928.

Question 12

Do you receive expired food from grocery stores?

Accepted Answer

No. We work hard to ensure that all our food is completely safe to consume. When in doubt, we throw it out - or into the biodegradable waste bin to divert it from the landfill.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS