The Government Shutdown is Over, but the Rising Need Persists 

The government shutdown ended Wednesday, but we know that its impact persists. With emergencies like this, we often see that just because the shutdown itself has ended, the impact lingers for many. We are planning to distribute 2 million additional pounds of food through December based on our partner network’s needs as we head into the busy holiday season. 

While SNAP benefits for many have begun to come through, permanent SNAP cuts from HR1 for about 15,000-20,000 people in Alameda County have begun to take effect, which will have both a short- and long-term impact on demand. 

Thank you for the role you have played in volunteering, donating, participating in food drives, spreading the word, and in all the many ways you care for your community.

As we work to recover from the shutdown, meet the needs of community members who have lost SNAP benefits permanently, and head into the busiest time of year; we cannot do it alone. Community support is essential to ensure that everyone in Alameda County has the food they need and deserve. 

 

Ways to Give this Holiday Season

Oakland Turkey Trot: On Thanksgiving Day,
November 27th, join other community members
running to support ACCFB! 

Have a Cold One: Head to Headlands Brewing on December 2nd (Giving Tuesday).

They will be donating 100% of our revenue (literally every penny of revenue) from that day at their Berkeley-Westbrae location, to ACCFB!

Tribute Gifts: When you donate to ACCFB in someone’s honor, you’re giving a gift to build local resilience and help ensure that everyone in Alameda County has the food they need to be nourished and thriving.  

Community Fundraising: Join community members like Kaleb of Oakland, whose Virtual Food Drive (VFD) has exceeded its goal amount and encourages “now is the time to show up for our neighbors...We are not helpless. Let's prove it.” Or the Rockridge Community Planning Council who rallied local businesses, schools, and libraries for neighborhood solidarity and support.

Host a Virtual Food Drive (VFD) to inspire your co-workers, family, and friends to join you in uprooting hunger in Alameda County. Now more than ever, we need people to come together and look out for one another.

Surprisingly Powerful Gifts: As you plan your year-end giving, consider donating appreciated stock, giving from your IRA (if you’re 70.5 or older), making a Donor-Advised Fund grant, or even contributing cryptocurrency to Alameda County Community Food Bank. These non-cash gifts are not only impactful but can also offer meaningful tax advantages, such as reducing your taxable income and avoiding capital gains tax.

Community Organizing at the County Level 

ACCFB Community Organizers and staff at a Board of Supervisors meeting

ACCFB’s Food Justice Organizing Task Force members have been showing up regularly at Board of Supervisors meetings to speak about how SNAP cuts and rising food costs are affecting families across Alameda County. They’re making sure County leaders understand the urgency and keep food insecurity front and center in budget decisions. Their presence and stories have helped push forward $10 million in recent investments in emergency food assistance. 

“When community members speak directly to County leaders, it shows that hunger is urgent and solvable — and that people most affected are leading the solutions.” - Soraya Urrutia (she/her/ella), Volunteer Food Justice Organizer 

If you’re looking to learn more about these efforts and how you can join, visit our Community Organizing webpage and sign up for our Food Justice Task Force.

Partner Spotlight: Tri-City Volunteers Food Bank + Mobile Pantry 

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ACCFB’s agency partner, Tri-City Volunteers (TCV) Food Bank + Mobile Pantry, has been a beacon of hunger relief in the Fremont, Newark, and Union City area since 1970, and a Food Bank partner since the beginning in 1985. 

Today, TCV Food Bank tailors their food distribution models to match what works best for their clients, providing food in ways that are dignified and convenient, ensuring that people can access the right food in the right place, and at the right time. Learn more in our partner profile blog post.  

Join our Team

We're looking for amazing people to join our Food Bank Team. Check out our open positions:

• Director of People Operations