COVID-19: Food resources
If the pandemic has left you struggling to afford food for yourself or your family, know that there are ways to get bagged groceries, buy food on your own and benefit from specialized programs for seniors, school-aged kids and mothers of young children. Food banks, community organizations and others are looking for ways to help you.
For those who have enough food, consider volunteering or donating. Your financial and physical aid can stretch dollars and expand the reach to more people in need.
Food banks
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Distributes pre-packed bags of fresh groceries to Berkeley and Albany residents in need on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Pickups are by appointment between 2 and 4pm. Come to the Pantry between 11am and 3pm to get an appointment slip, then return at your designated time for food distribution. 1600 Sacramento Street.
Food benefit and voucher programs
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Provides grocery funds every month to qualifying individuals. Funds are loaded onto an EBT card that can be used to purchase food at most grocery stores and farmers markets, or online at Amazon and Walmart.
People who have had a temporary change in income because of COVID-19 are eligible. Maximum monthly income to receive benefits depends on household size, ranging from $2,082 for someone who lives alone to $5,030 for a household of five, with the limits increasing for each additional family member.
Apply online at getcalfresh.org.
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Provides food vouchers, support, and resources to low-income women who are pregnant, recently gave birth, or are currently breast feeding, and low-income children up to age 5. To apply, call (510) 981-5360 or email wicprogram@cityofberkeley.info.
Food for seniors and increased risk individuals
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Berkeley Aging Services offers grab and go meals for Berkeley seniors 60 years and older. Meals are available for curbside pickup on Tuesdays, 11:30am-1:00pm, at the South Berkeley Senior Center, 2939 Ellis Street. A donation of $15 is suggested to cover the cost of weekly meals. You must register in advance and provide proof of age and residency.Call our Aging Services Division at (510) 981-5170 or email seniors@cityofberkeley.info for more information or to register for the program.
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Provides home-delivered, well balanced meals to homebound older adults. If you are 60 years of age or older, unable to prepare a meal and have no one available to prepare a meal for you, you may be eligible. Call (510) 981-5250 to learn more.
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Assists high risk individuals through a variety services including emergency stop-gap funding for groceries, navigating resources such as CalFresh benefits, assistance running essential errands and more. To request assistance, fill out their application form or leave a voicemail at (510) 519-6770.
Last updated March 30, 2021