Free Pet Food Pantry in Martinez

Who qualifies for free pet food from Joybound’s FoodShare pantry?

Free pet food at Joybound’s FoodShare pantry is available to pet guardians who live in Contra Costa County and are at least 18 years of age. Please have proof of Contra Costa County residency ready and available at the clinic – digital proof on your smart phone is accepted as well!

How can I prove my Contra Costa County residency for free pet food?

The following are acceptable for proof of residency:

• Driver’s license or government ID (not a student ID) 
• Utility bill, lease, or letter with a Counta Costa County address and name that matches photo ID 

You can provide this information on your smart phone as well! 

If you do not have an acceptable ID available, please flag a staff member or volunteer to confirm. You may be rerouted to the Community Solutions table for resources on other pet food resources that align with your geographic location or do not have county-based restrictions.   

What do I need to bring to the FoodShare pantry event?

In addition to bringing proof of Contra Costa County residency, please bring a bag to carry your bags of pet food. Joybound recommends a tote, a grocery bag, or something of a similar size.

You do not need to bring your pet to the FoodShare pantry event to receive food.

Where and when are Joybound’s FoodShare pantry events held?

Joybound’s FoodShare pantry events are held every month in rotating locations across Contra Costa County, in tandem with our free pet vaccine and microchip clinics. Generally, the events are held on the second Saturday of the month, but that date may change due to scheduling conflicts on the side of Joybound or the venue. Additional FoodShare pantry dates may be offered directly through Joybound or in conjunction with local community support events.

What kind of pet food is offered at Joybound’s FoodShare pantry event?

Thanks to our partnership with Purina, Joybound’s FoodShare pantry distributes dry Purina dog food and dry Purina cat food to pet guardians. Additional food donated by individual donors may be offered based on availability but cannot be guaranteed. This includes wet/canned food. Unfortunately, special pet food requests and prescription food cannot be provided.

How much pet food will I receive from Joybound’s FoodShare pantry?

The general guidelines for how much food distributed at a FoodShare pantry event are:

• One bag of cat food per two cats, with a maximum of two bags per household. Each bag of cat food typically weighs around 6 lbs. 
• Two bags of dog food per dog, with a maximum of four bags per household. Each bag of dog food typically weighs around 4 lbs. 

These distribution amounts may vary depending on our inventory at the time of the event. Guests cannot get back in line multiple times for more food at the same FoodShare pantry event

Do I need to make an appointment to receive food from Joybound’s FoodShare pantry?

Appointments are not needed at Joybound’s FoodShare pantry events. These services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis for as long as supplies last.

If I am picking up pet food as part of a free pet vaccine & microchip clinic, do I need to wait in the vaccine line?

If you are attending a FoodShare event held in tandem with a free pet vaccine and microchip clinic, you will find that there is only one line until the start time of the clinic. After the clinic opens, you will be redirected to the Community Solutions table for pet food.

Am I guaranteed to receive food if I visit a FoodShare pantry event?

As our free pet food is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, we cannot guarantee that our inventory will last until the scheduled end of the FoodShare pantry event. To maximize your chances of being served, we recommend arriving on the earlier side if possible.

Does Joybound’s FoodShare pantry also provide kitty litter?

We cannot guarantee that kitty litter will be available at Joybound’s FoodShare pantry events. However, on rare occasions we may have some available, depending on supplies.

Am I allowed to pick up free pet food on behalf of someone else?

If you need to pick up pet food for another party (family member, neighbor, friend, etc.) at Joybound’s FoodShare pantry, we can accommodate that.

Please note that you and the person you are picking up food for must both be Contra Costa County residents and the household limit of two bags of cat food and four bags of dog food applies to the whole pickup. Guests cannot get back in line multiple times for more food at the same FoodShare pantry event.

Will Joybound’s FoodShare pantry event be cancelled due to poor weather?

Due to the importance of these FoodShare pantry events, as well as community demand, services will continue – rain or shine. During potentially dangerous weather conditions (lightning, heavy wind, etc.), please check Joybound’s social media accounts for updates on the status of the upcoming clinic event.

Can I pick up free pet food directly at Joybound’s Walnut Creek headquarters?

Joybound’s FoodShare pantry has transitioned away from direct distribution at our Walnut Creek facility in favor of strengthening our partnerships with community-based organizations to get pet food to more families in need. Unless there is a scheduled FoodShare pantry event onsite or you have directly heard otherwise from a member of our team, pet food will not be distributed at our Walnut Creek headquarters.

Where does the funding / resources for Joybound’s FoodShare pantry come from?

Joybound’s FoodShare pantry is made possible through a partnership with Purina, who generously provides high-quality pet food for Contra Costa County pets as well as for Joybound’s shelter animals. Joybound also reserves a portion of its budget, funded through the generosity of donors, to purchase food to supplement the FoodShare stock whenever necessary. Unlike our free pet vaccine and microchip clinics, Joybound’s FoodShare pantry is not funded by Contra Costa County’s Measure X.

Where can I get free pet food if I am not a Contra Costa County resident?

There are a variety of incredible organizations across Northern California who can help pet guardians outside of Contra Costa County. Please visit our “Pet Food Resources” list to find a provider near you.