Who We Are

The ALF Food Pantry is dedicated to providing nutritious groceries to the food-insecure residents of the communities we serve.

ALF Food Pantry, formerly known as Atascadero Loaves and Fishes, is an all-volunteer organization that began in 1984 with the mission of reducing food insecurity in Atascadero, Templeton, Santa Margarita, Creston, and California Valley in San Luis Obispo County. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and owners of the facility at 5411 El Camino Real in Atascadero.

Each weekday morning, our flagship van picks up fresh rescue groceries throughout the north county. We receive deliveries from SLO Food Bank. We purchase other items we need. Our sustainable menu group ensures we are consistantly offering a variety of shelf-stable items, produce and meats of high quality and quantity. We accomplish this while staying within a budget of about $15,000 a month - averaging $750 a day - in addition to the donated food we receive.
North San Luis Obispo County and beyond continue to step up with private donations. Without them, ALF could not survive. Private and government grants generate about one-third of our budget, but two-thirds comes from individuals and business.
ALF was recognized as the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce Community Organization of the Year for 2024. We are a proud member of the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce.
ALF does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in any of its activities or operations.