Families Forward — Community Market

A free client-choice market, converted from the old food pantry in 2025, where registered households shop for the food and items such as diapers that fit their family, with item limits. Market shopping is by appointment only, and a new appointment can be made no sooner than 14 days after last receiving food; diapers once a month. A household that needs food immediately can register at the front desk during weekday hours and receive a food distribution bag the same visit.

Why this place helps: It is the main free food pantry inside Irvine itself, and it works like a small grocery store, so families choose food their children will actually eat instead of taking a pre-packed box.

Who it is for: Anyone who lives in Orange County: individuals, couples, and families. The page says no OC resident is turned away, though you may be referred to a partner food provider closer to where you live.

Hours: Community Market shopping by appointment: Monday 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Tuesday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Front desk registration: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, closed Saturday and Sunday

Ask for: The Community Market, and front desk registration if it is your first visit.

When you call, say: “I live in Orange County and I need food for my household. How do I register and book a Community Market appointment?”

What to bring: A photo ID if you have one. If you do not have ID, call first and ask what to bring; do not skip the visit over paperwork.

What to do: Call (949) 552-2727 or walk in Monday to Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM to register, then book your shopping appointment. If you need food today, say so at the front desk and ask for the same-day distribution bag.

Address: 8 Thomas, Irvine, CA 92618 (the organization’s food pantry page prints this ZIP once as 92168 in its registration paragraph; its own Contact Us section prints 92618, which is the correct Irvine ZIP and the one used here)

Phone: (949) 552-2727