Palmdale Launches Emergency Food Drive as CalFresh Benefits Pause

PALMDALE, CA — With CalFresh benefits on hold and thousands of local families facing uncertainty, the City of Palmdale is stepping up to make sure no one goes hungry. Starting Monday, Nov. 3, South Antelope Valley Emergency Services (SAVES) will shift into emergency mode to distribute food to residents who need help.

SAVES will be running drive-thru food pickup only to keep things moving quickly and safely. Distribution happens Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1002 E. Ave. Q-12, and the line will start at 11th Street East and East Avenue Q-12. Hours might change depending on community needs, so keep an eye out for updates.

No appointments are needed — in fact, any existing ones are canceled for now. You can start lining up at 9 a.m., but you must be in line by 3 p.m. to get food that day. Anyone who arrives after 3 p.m. will need to come back the next day. Don’t have a car? No problem — walk-ups are welcome at the front entrance.

“Our community is facing an unprecedented challenge, and SAVES is responding by streamlining our operations to serve as many families as possible,” said Mayor Pro Tem Laura Bettencourt. “We’re committed to making sure no one in Palmdale goes hungry during this tough time.”

Other SAVES programs, like deliveries and appointments, are temporarily on pause so staff can focus on the emergency food drive. You don’t need to bring any paperwork to get help — just show up.

Traffic control will be in place to keep things running smoothly, and the City is asking everyone to stay patient and cooperative while SAVES works to get food out to everyone who needs it.

SAVES has been part of the community since 1983, helping low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, and unhoused residents across the South Antelope Valley. It’s powered by the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, Community Development Block Grants, and Measure AV, along with donations from local stores, markets, and restaurants.

If you’d like to learn more, get help, or volunteer, visit CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov/SAVES or call 661-267-5191.

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