Meals are supplied during the week through the Dining Room in the City of San Mateo, our Pantry, and our Mobile Meals program that delivers to social service programs, senior and community centers, and to those who are homebound. We also supply other agency dining rooms across the county who do not have the ability to cook every day. On weekends, the Kitchen staff, with support from a multitude of community service organizations, make lunches available for pick-up. In the summer, we expand our reach and supply meals for the Summer Kids Lunch program.

Food Pantry

Samaritan House’s Drive-Thru Pantry supplies food boxes full of groceries for low-income families who struggle to buy groceries. This option allows families to prepare fresh meals together at home. Bread is a basic food staple that Samaritan House provides Monday through Friday to all who are in need. A voucher system is now used to distribute bread from our Pantry. Bread Vouchers are obtained at Client Services with no application process and bread is available to anyone who is in need.

A food voucher is acquired in the Client Services Department on our 2nd floor and does require an application process. Call to inquire about paperwork needed to apply. Larger quantities can be made available for pick-up by prior arrangement in order to supply other community organizations throughout San Mateo County.

Dining Room

Samaritan House offers a take-out dinner (a hot meal and dessert) on weeknights, to any single adult or family that needs it. All are encouraged to take advantage of dining in a restaurant-style, community space in downtown San Mateo.

After School Snack Program

Throughout the county, students attending after school programs also benefit from food and snacks provided by Samaritan House. This healthy snack with juice fuels students focused on homework and after school activities, thereby bridging the hunger gap until dinnertime.

Summer Lunch Program

The King Café Summer Lunch Program provides food in the summer months to students who receive subsidized lunches during the school year. Teenage volunteers help serve meals from our Kitchen to children taking part in San Mateo’s King Center summer recreational programs, created to keep kids off the streets.

Mobile Meals

Recognizing that only able-bodied individuals were able to attend dinner at our Dining Hall, Samaritan House created a volunteer-based Mobile Meals program to deliver warm meals to the elderly and disabled. Please contact our Client Services department if you need Mobile Meal assistance.

Food Pharmacy

In an innovative collaboration with our partners at Second Harvest Food Bank, Samaritan House established Food Pharmacies at our two Free Healthcare Clinics in San Mateo and Redwood City. Our volunteer physicians write “prescriptions” for low-income patients who have diabetes. Then, the patients are able to fill those prescriptions on-site at our Food Pharmacies. Deepest thanks to Second Harvest Food Bank for keeping both pharmacies stocked with fresh produce and other healthy foods.