Food Bank
A free choice pantry where you shop the shelves and pick what works for your family. No appointment, no judgment.
Groceries, Not a Handout
Traditional food assistance often means accepting whatever’s already packed in a box, with no say in what you get, whether it fits your family’s diet, or whether you’ll even use it. We wanted something different.
Our food bank operates as a choice pantry: neighbors walk the shelves and select their own groceries, just like a regular grocery trip. It’s free, it accommodates dietary needs and cultural preferences, and it preserves the dignity of choosing for yourself.
Before You Visit
What to Bring
Nothing specific. Just register ahead of time and come as you are.
When to Come
Open every Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. No appointment needed. Just walk in.
Shop the Shelves, Choose What Fits
Walk In
No appointment needed. Just stop by during pantry hours: Thursdays from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.
Browse the Shelves
Take your time and look through what's available, just like a regular grocery trip.
Choose What Fits
Pick the specific items that match your family's needs, dietary restrictions, and cultural preferences. Everything is completely free.
Location: On the street behind 347 Third Ave, Chula Vista, CA 91910. Questions? Contact us at director@coastalpathways.org or call (619) 392-4485.
“Everyone deserves to choose their own groceries with dignity.”
Coastal Pathways Foundation
“I used to dread food pantry day because you never knew what you’d get. Here, I actually get to pick out what my kids will eat. It feels less like charity and more like grocery shopping.”
A Food Bank Shopper
Support the Food Bank
Whether you want to donate food, volunteer during pantry hours, or spread the word, every bit of support helps us keep the shelves stocked.