Samaritan House is the largest truck-to-table food distributor in San Mateo County. In FY2025, our food pantries alone saved over 7,000 families an average of nearly $3,000, each. Our kitchen, pantry, and dining services fill a gap between the need for food and the ability to obtain the meals and groceries needed to thrive. More than 13,000 households relied on Samaritan House this year for the food they need. In these challenging times, we know that a delay in SNAP benefits, a declined EBT card, and a paused paycheck can all mean empty plates on the dinner table when local families sit down to eat. We expect the need for services to increase by 25-30%.
If you have been affected by recent events, please call our Samaritan House team at (650) 347-3648 to get help.
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.
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.
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.
5 Million Meals to families, seniors and individuals last year.
Additional resources for those affected by the federal government shutdown and disruption to SNAP benefits:
- DoorDash:
- Delivery and service fees will be waived for 300,000 grocery orders for SNAP recipients
- GoPuff:
- November 1-15: Receive $50 in free groceries per SNAP EBT customer
Samaritan House Food Service
SAMARITAN HOUSE PANTRY
4031 Pacific Blvd
San Mateo, California 94403
(650) 341-4081 | Map
Hours
M - F 9am - 12pm; 1pm - 4pm (Fri closes 3pm)
To register for Pantry services, talk to your case manager.
Hora
Lunes - viernes de 9am a 12pm; de 1 a 4pm
Cerrado los sábados y domingos
Para registrarse en los servicios de despensa, hable con su administrador de casos.
SAMARITAN HOUSE DINING ROOM
Congregational Church of San Mateo
225 Tilton Ave
San Mateo, CA 94401
Map
Hours:
M - F 4:30pm - 5:30pm
All welcome.
Hora
Los lunes a viernes, 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Todos bienvenidos.
SAMARITAN HOUSE WEEKEND LUNCH TO GO
4031 Pacific Blvd
San Mateo, CA 94403
Map
Hours:
S and Sn 12 noon (lunch to go)
All welcome.
Hora
Los sábados y domingos, 12pm (almuerzo para llevar)
Todos bienvenidos.
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