If you need food assistance immediately: Visit the Families Forward office Monday – Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm and register for food access. You will receive a food distribution bag after registering. Registration and food bags are free.
If you would like to shop in our free Community Market: Please call us at (949) 552-2727 or visit the Families Forward office Monday – Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm to register and make your appointment.
Anyone who lives in Orange County can register for free food assistance through our Community Market – individuals, couples, and families are all welcome to register.
To access the Community Market or food assistance, all households must register. Appointments are required for Marketing shopping and appointments are available Monday 9:00am – 2:00pm and Tuesday – Thursday 10:00am – 3:00pm. The soonest that a household may make a new appointment to shop in the Community Market is 14 days after they have received food last. Please call us at (949) 552-2727 to register and schedule your appointment.
In the Community Market, households choose and shop for the food and items (such as diapers) that best fits their family’s needs. This client-choice model replaces the former Families Forward Food Pantry. The inventory of food and items varies depending on the current stock. The Community Market is a free resource, though item limits apply.
To qualify, you must live in Orange County and register to participate. While we will not turn away any OC resident, we may refer you to a partner food provider that is closer to where you live, for your convenience.
All households must register to receive food. Register in-person by visiting the front desk at Families Forward. We are located at 8 Thomas, Irvine, CA 92168. (Directions) The front desk is open Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. We are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
You can also register and schedule your Community Market shopping appointment by calling us at (949) 552-2727.
Community Market appointment hours:
Monday 9:00am – 2:00pm
Tuesday – Thursday 10:00am – 3:00pm
Your Community Market appointment will take place during Market hours: Monday 9:00am – 2:00pm, Tuesday – Thursday 10:00am – 3:00pm. You will check in at the entrance that is to the back of the Families Forward building.
A volunteer will verify your information and that you are registered for an appointment. During your appointment, you will shop in our market. There is no time limit, though there are item limits. Our volunteers will be available to assist you, if needed. There is nothing to do but shop and then check out with a volunteer once you have completed shopping.
At times, there may be surplus food items available outside of our Market. These items are free for all registered households to shop, regardless of whether they have an appointment.
The soonest that a household may make a new appointment to shop in the Community Market is 14 days after they have received food last. Households may receive diapers once a month. All new visitors must first register at our front desk – the Community Market does not take walk-ins.
You may make a future Market appointment:
1. What happened to the Food Pantry? In response to the community’s needs, the Food Pantry was converted into a Community Market as of 2025. The Market offers a client-choice model where households shop and choose food that best fits their family’s needs.
2. When are Market appointments available? The soonest that a household may make a new appointment to shop in the Community Market is 14 days after they have received food last. Appointments are Monday 9:00am – 2:00pm and Tuesday – Thursday 10:00am – 3:00pm.
3. What is the process for picking up food?
If you need food immediately: Visit the Families Forward office Monday – Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm and register for food access. You will receive a food distribution bag after registering.
If you want to register for the Market: Someone from the household must register at our front office. You must make an appointment to shop in the Community Market – the Market does not take walk-ins. Appointments are available every 14 days, Monday 9:00am – 2:00pm and Tuesday – Thursday 10:00am – 3:00pm.
4. Am I allowed to “shop” the Community Market? Yes, our new Community Market has been transformed into a client-choice model offering families the opportunity to shop and choose food that best fits their family’s needs.
5. How often can I visit the Community Market? At this time, the soonest that a household may make a new appointment to shop in the Community Market is 14 days after they have received food last. Households may receive diapers once per month.
6. I want to make another Community Market appointment, but I need food sooner than the next available appointment. Households can only access the Community Market with an appointment. If there is not an appointment available 14 days after your last visit, please visit the Families Forward front office 14 days after your last appointment for a food bag, and to select from various free surplus food items in the front of the market. You may then schedule a Market appointment for 14 days after you pick up your food bag
7. What areas do you serve? We serve all cities in Orange County, CA
8. Who is allowed to register for food? All households, whether individuals or families, with or without children, who live in Orange County are welcome to register.
