Alameda County Community Food Bank

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Mission and Background

How do I get food?
Call the Food Helpline at 1-800-870-3663 (FOOD) for emergency food referrals and programs for Alameda County residents.

How does the Alameda County Community Food Bank work? (40k .pdf* file)

Who receives emergency food assistance?
Alameda County residents in need, including low-income and working poor adults, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, abuse survivors, people living with AIDS, and the homeless.

What are the Food Bank's funding sources?
The Food Bank's funding sources include individuals, corporations, foundations, federal and state government, and special events. For more details, see our annual report.

What are the best foods to donate?
Please donate nonperishable foods. Click here for a shopping list. (40k .pdf* file)

Where can I drop off nonperishable food donations? more...

Alameda County Community Food Bank
Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5pm
7900 Edgewater Drive
Oakland, CA 94621

Alameda Free Library
2200-A Central Avenue
Alameda

Berkeley Bowl
2020 Oregon Street
Berkeley

How many people does the Food Bank serve?
The Food Bank serves 40,000 people in need each week.

Do you accept hot food?
The Food Bank does not accept hot, prepared food. Contact Oakland Potluck at (510) 272-0414. Hours: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am - 4pm

How do I volunteer at the Food Bank?

How do I start a food drive?

How do I schedule a hunger education presentation for my class, club or congregation?

Why is the Food Bank involved in advocacy?
The Food Bank is committed to promoting public policies that address hunger and its root causes. Working with policymakers and elected officials to improve access to government food programs, such as the Food Stamp Program and the Summer Food Service Program for children, helps ensure that low-income individuals and families have safe, nutritious, and adequate food at all times. more...

Who is on your Board of Directors?

* These documents are .pdf (Portable Document Format) files and require Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you need to download the reader please use the link below.