If you’re looking for a way to feel connected this Thanksgiving — maybe you don’t have big plans, or you want to give back — there are places around OC that could really use a hand. Organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, CAPOC, Orange County Rescue Mission, and The Hub OC are often looking for volunteers to help with food distribution, meal‑service, and community support. Even an hour or two can make a huge difference to someone in need.”
I encourage you to check the organizations’ websites or call ahead — many volunteer slots fill fast around the holidays.
What People Should Know Before Volunteering
Sign up early — holiday volunteer spots are often in high demand.
Some places require a minimum age or that minors be accompanied by adults (especially at food banks).
A small commitment — even a few hours — helps. Many of these groups welcome individuals, couples, or groups of friends.
Volunteering doesn’t have to be big or permanent to matter. It can be a one‑time thing on Thanksgiving or a longer‑term commitment.
Orange County Rescue Mission — They host a Thanksgiving‑day meal (and often dinner‑after) and invite volunteers to help with setup, kitchen help, serving and cleanup. Orange County Rescue Mission
Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County — They regularly need help with sorting, packing, and distributing food — especially during high‑need seasons like Thanksgiving and the holidays. Second Harvest OC+1
CAPOC (Community Action Partnership of Orange County) — Offers volunteering opportunities such as assembling food boxes or helping with food‑bank operations; good for individuals or groups. Capoc+1
Holiday Food & Meal Resources — Orange County (OC)
If you or someone you know needs a free meal or food assistance this holiday season, here are trusted organizations and food‑pantries around OC. Most are free of charge — no complex requirements. If you don’t know where to start, calling 211OC (dial 2‑1‑1) is often the fastest way to find help near your ZIP code.
Key Food Banks & Pantries
Organization / ProgramLocation / Contact InfoWhat They Offer / NotesSecond Harvest Food Bank of Orange County (Feed OC) Irvine HQ: 8014 Marine Way, Irvine, CA 92618 • Phone: (949) 653‑2900 Second Harvest OC+1 Network of nearly 300 community partners that distribute free groceries — no cost, no strict qualifications. Use their “Find Food” map (by city/ZIP) or call 2‑1‑1. Second Harvest OC+1
South County Outreach (SCO) 7 Whatney, Suite B, Irvine, CA 92618 • Phone: (949) 380‑8144 South County Outreach Orange County+1 Monthly “Food Market” — pick up groceries (fresh produce, staples, dairy, etc.). Good for families in south OC. South County Outreach Orange County+1
Share Our Selves (SOS) 1550 Superior Ave, Costa Mesa, CA 92627 • Phone: (949) 270‑2100 South County Outreach Orange County+1 Offers free groceries for individuals/families; often ramps up support around holidays. South County Outreach Orange County
Serve the People Community Food Bank 1206 E. 17th St., Santa Ana, CA 92701 • Phone: (714) 352‑2911 South County Outreach Orange County+1 Provides food bags and fresh produce; operates set distribution days — good for regular community support. OC Health Care Agency+1
How to Access Help
Visit Feed OC’s website and use their “Find Food” map by city, ZIP, or pantry name. Their directory is updated frequently. Second Harvest OC+1
Call or text 2‑1‑1 (211OC) — Orange County’s 24/7 referral line — to get connected to open pantries, hot‑meal programs, holiday distributions, or other social‑service supports. Second Harvest OC+1
For monthly support, some pantries like South County Outreach require a valid ID + short intake form. It helps to bring some form of ID and proof of address. South County Outreach Orange County+1
Many of these resources accept walk‑ins. For holiday‑day meals or special distributions, it’s best to check websites or call ahead — slots may fill quickly.
Quick Contacts
Second Harvest Food Bank OC: (949) 653‑2900 — feedoc.org
South County Outreach: (949) 380‑8144 — sco-oc.org
Share Our Selves (SOS): (949) 270‑2100 — shareourselves.org
Serve the People: (714) 352‑2911
24/7 Referral & Resource Line: 2‑1‑1 (or visit 211OC.org)
If you or someone you know might go without a warm meal or groceries this week — you’ve got options.
Visit Feed OC’s website and use their “Find Food” map by city, ZIP, or pantry name. Their directory is updated frequently. Second Harvest OC+1
Call or text 2‑1‑1 (211OC) — Orange County’s 24/7 referral line — to get connected to open pantries, hot‑meal programs, holiday distributions, or other social‑service supports. Second Harvest OC+1
For monthly support, some pantries like South County Outreach require a valid ID + short intake form. It helps to bring some form of ID and proof of address. South County Outreach Orange County+1
Many of these resources accept walk‑ins. For holiday‑day meals or special distributions, it’s best to check websites or call ahead — slots may fill quickly.
Quick Contacts
Second Harvest Food Bank OC: (949) 653‑2900 — feedoc.org
South County Outreach: (949) 380‑8144 — sco-oc.org
Share Our Selves (SOS): (949) 270‑2100 — shareourselves.org
Serve the People: (714) 352‑2911
24/7 Referral & Resource Line: 2‑1‑1 (or visit 211OC.org)
If you or someone you know might go without a warm meal or groceries this week — you’ve got options.
• Use Feed OC’s pantry map or call 2‑1‑1 to find your nearest free-food site.
• Walk-in friendly pantries like South County Outreach or Share Our Selves often have fresh food, staples, and holiday support.
• It only takes a call or a short drive — and no cost, no judgment.
The Hub OC — Their seasonal holiday/Thanksgiving‑related programs sometimes call for volunteers or donations; may be a good fit for listeners looking for easier, community‑level involvement.
