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By Christiana Oatman, Development Assistant

At Alameda County Community Food Bank, we believe food is a basic human right.

Food distribution sites, grocery stores, and other food providers are essential services, and you are allowed to leave your home to access food for yourself and your family. Please don’t be afraid to get the food and resources you need. Just be safe and practice social distancing by keeping six feet between you and other people at all times. 

If You Need Food

During this challenging time, there are many resources available. ACCFB and our agency partners are working diligently to provide as many distribution sites as possible for neighbors all over the county. If you or someone you know needs food, we’re here.

  • Contact our Helpline at (510) 635-3663.
  • Check this interactive map to find distributions and other services near you.
  • Apply for CalFresh with help from our team.
    • Call our Helpline at (510) 635-3663 and press 2.

FAQs about CalFresh

  • CalFresh (aka SNAP and formerly known as Food Stamps) helps families stretch their food budgets.
  • Eligibility is based on your income today and what you expect to make in the next 30 days.
  • You can receive unemployment benefits, own a home and car, and qualify for CalFresh.
  • You don’t need to have children to qualify, and receiving benefits doesn’t take them away from someone else.
  • With the exception of alcohol and foods that will be eaten in the store, you can buy any food or drink.
  • Benefits are received on a debit card and are easy to use.

School Distribution sites

Many school districts throughout the country are distributing food. Children do not have to be enrolled in a school in any specific district to receive food.

  • Check the Alameda County Office of Education for a list of meal services by district.
  • The Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) is providing grab and go meals.
    • Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
    • Multiple days’ worth of food can be picked up – we encourage you to bring grocery bags or coolers to carry food home.
    • Sites include:
      • Northwest/West Oakland: Sankofa Elementary, West Oakland Middle School and Hoover Elementary
      • Central Oakland: Oakland High School and Garfield Elementary
      • East Oakland: Bret Harte Middle School, Life Academy/United for Success, Coliseum College Preparatory Academy, Madison Park Upper, Fremont High School, Castlemont High School and Elmhurst United Middle School

An Important Note

You may have seen this tweet on your social media feeds. It’s true. Please be observant of labels on items at the grocery store. Only items marked “WIC” are allowed to be purchased by families receiving benefits through the federal nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). If you are not a WIC recipient, please generously choose to forego these items. 

For the most up to date information on shelter in place, please visit Alameda County Department of Public Health. If you have any questions or need more resources or information about how ACCFB and our community partners are responding to COVID-19, please see our COVID-19 statementemail us, or call (510) 635-3663.