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We believe that the best way to attack hunger and homelessness in our community is to prevent it.
The Berkeley Food Pantry provides emergency food aid to families in Berkeley and Albany.
Information for clients:
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE GROCERIES? Residents of Berkeley and Al-
bany, CA.
WHERE ARE WE? 1600 Sacramento St., at the corner of Cedar St., in the
basement of the Friends Church.
HOURS: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 2:00 to 4:00.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU: A photo ID and/or something that will verify
your Berkeley or Albany address.
HOW OFTEN CAN YOU COME? Once a month.
WHAT YOU'LL BE GIVEN: Emergency food supplies that include fresh pro-
duce,canned goods and other supplies, depending on availability.
We give one bag of USDA government food and one of Berkeley Food
Pantry food. A grocery cart or roller bag can be helpful, especially if
you are walking or using public transportation.
DIRECTIONS: From University Ave. in Berkeley turn north on Sacramento St.
to Cedar St. The nearest BART station is North Berkeley, a 3-minute walk.
AC Transit buses (19 & 88) stop within a minute's walk.
Frequently asked questions:
Q. What if I don't live in Berkeley or Albany?
A. There are food pantries in every community. If you live in Alameda Co,
call the Alameda Co. Community Food Bank (510-635-3663) to find where
the closest pantry is to your home.
Q. What if I need more than once-a-month groceries?
A. The Pantry supplies emergency food only. For on-going help with getting
food call any of these agencies:
WIC - 510-981-5360. WIC support and aid for pregnant and nursing
women and young children.
Food Stamps - 1-800-870-3663.
General Assistance - Alameda Co. Social Services, 2000 San Pablo
Ave., Berkeley - 1-888-999-4772.
Information for Donors:
Donations are very welcome, either food or cash. We always need money to buy perishable items such as fresh milk, meat and eggs. And we can make a dollar go a long way by buying from the Alameda County Community Food Bank and other discount sources.
WHAT'S NEEDED:
Canned meats such as chicken, tuna or other fish
Peanut butter
Canned soups and stews
Rice
Pasta
Cereal (cold or hot)
Canned fruits
Fruit juice
Cookies and snacks
Boxes of macaroni and cheese
Garden produce
WHAT WE CAN'T ACCEPT: Outdated food and boxes, jars or cans of food
that have been opened. Please check the "sell-by" date.
HOW TO DONATE FOOD: Drop it off at the Pantry, 1600 Sacramento St.,
during pantry hours (M,W,F - 1-4 pm. Or call 510-525-2280 for other
arrangements. We will provide a receipt for tax purposes.
ORGANIZE A FOOD DRIVE: This a wonderful way to supplement the
Pantry's supply and to spread the word about this important
community resource. Encourage your school, religious organization
or other community organization to have food drives.
DONATING MONEY: Checks should be made out to the Berkeley Food
Pantry and mailed to 1600 Sacramento St., Berkeley, CA 94702.
DONATING ONLINE: You can now donate via PayPal. Please go to the
Information for volunteers:
The Berkeley Food Pantry depends upon a group or dedicated volunteers, under the supervision of a part-time director.
WHAT VOLUNTEERS DO: For the first hour, we pack bags and break down bulk items for distribution. For the next two hours we serve clients by re-
gistering/checking them in, by customizing and delivering their bags to them, and by continuing to pack bags to give away. After the Pantry closes, we put away perishable food and clean up the Pantry.
HOW MANY HOURS/WEEK: We ask that you commit to one afternoon a week from 1:00 to 4:30.
WHO CAN BE A VOLUNTEER? We welcome volunteers of all ages, from teens to retired people. A good sense of humor, an appreciation of all kinds of people and a dash of patience can make volunteering at the Pantry a lot of fun. Closed-toed shoes must be worn and volunteers should not come in sick.
WHO TO CONTACT: Contact the director, Bill Shive, to set up your volunteer shift: 510-525-2280; berkeleyfood@hotmail.com.
