Eureka Choice Pantry

How the Eureka Choice Pantry works

Como funciona nuestra despensa de eleccion

The Choice Pantry is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 am - 3:45 pm (closed 12:30 - 1:30) at 307 W. 14th St in Eureka.

Call (707) 445-3166 to make an appointment.

Appointments are scheduled weekly so please call Monday to schedule for that week.

The Choice Pantry provides income-eligible community members with access to healthy and nutritious foods. Our system emphasizes both choice and a balanced diet.  People “shop” through their food selection process much like they would in a grocery store, rather than receiving pre-packaged bags. Each household may shop at the Choice Pantry once per month.

While the specific selection of food will vary from month to month, items from each nutritional food group (dairy, protein, grains, fruits, vegetables) are always represented. The choice system helps families to go home with the foods that they need and like while leaving behind items that they will not use, so none goes to waste. Volunteers and staff members are available to help shoppers with any questions about food groups, ingredients or Nutrition Facts labels. We include recipes throughout the pantry to help shoppers with cooking ideas for healthy meals.

For questions please email our Choice Pantry Coordinator Erin Tharp at etharp@foodforpeople.org.

Food for People is accessible on public transportation via Eureka Transit Service’s Gold Route, Stop Code 2115 at Summer & 15th St.

Do you live outside of Eureka?

Here’s a list of our other pantries.

Do you need to send a friend or family member to shop for you? A person can pick up food for up to 2 households per visit. with one of the following types of note:

  • Download a proxy form here, fill it out, and send it with the person

  • Descargue un formulario de poder aquí, complételo y envíelo con la persona

  • Or send your own note that MUST include the following info:

    • Date

    • Name of person food is for

    • Name of person picking up

    • Address, zip code

    • Number of people in household

    • Statement that recipient is income eligible

    • Signature

Monthly Income Eligibility Guidelines

Household of 1 = $2,949.25

Household of 2 = $4,002.83

Household of 3 = $5,056.42

Household of 4 = $6,110.00

Household of 5 = $7,163.58

Household of 6 = $8,217.17

Household of 7 = $9,270.75

Household of 8 = $10,324.33

Over 8 = Add $1,053.59 each


In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.