Nothing feels as good as it does to give back to the community in joint efforts to make a positive…read moredifference and lend a hand to those in need. I would like to compose this review to spread awareness of this incredible Non-Profit! At this point in my life journey, I feel it is an absolute necessity to do whatever I can in some small way to show my appreciation for all I am blessed with and in turn, hope to inspire others to do the very same. This said, I was very happy to have been a recent participant with a very big volunteer opportunity organized by HandsOn Bay Area along with my employer, Kaiser Permanente in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day - instead of the "day off" mentality for the holiday, it is a day of service in his name for a wonderful MLK day ON! Volunteers within my organization were able to sign up and were greeted to a very warm reception by BFN's very own Executive Director, Sara Webber. Sara graciously gave us a brief tour and summary of how BFN was established and how they serve as the primary hub and distribution center for all who are in need of food - be it those who work hard and are employed and just down on their luck, to schools who offer meals to children in the Berkeley area, to those seniors who are retired and simply just don't have enough money to live on their Social Security and the expenses of life. There is such a sense of pride and human compassion that goes into everything at BFN. We happily got to work on various tasks within the warehouse including painting the large community room under the instruction of a local painter who offered his services, spreading mulch in the outdoor property and planting lemon trees as well as weeding, assembling industrial shelving that would be utilized in storing some of the canned goods, etc. Here is a direct exerpt from BFN's website that better describes what they are all about: Our Work The Berkeley Food Network (BFN) was founded in 2016 as an innovative, community-centered network of agencies that provide services to the food insecure residents of Berkeley, both housed and homeless, in order to close documented gaps in access to food in Berkeley. In its first year, BFN worked to develop and strengthen its network by increasing BFN membership to more than 40 organizations, hosting quarterly member meetings to raise concerns and share information, delivering trainings to member organizations, coordinating donated food deliveries among various member organizations, and laying the groundwork for a physical distribution hub. This year, BFN is working to expand its coordination of network-level services by opening a physical distribution hub and food pantry, by partnering with advocacy organizations to deliver food to populations not reached by existing services, and by continuing to facilitate network-level collaboration to coordinate services for different populations and share best practices. Food Sourcing and Distribution Hub BFN is working to establish a food sourcing and distribution hub that will be at the core of our work to end hunger in Berkeley. We aim to provide higher quality food, greater quantities, and more variety, including ample fresh foods, to all Berkeleyans who need food. We'll provide both groceries and prepared meals for our city's homeless and marginally housed community members. We will source culturally appropriate foods to accommodate clients' food preferences and reduce waste. BFN will operate an on-site client choice pantry offering healthy shelf-stable foods; fresh dairy, produce, and bread; frozen meat; and prepared foods. The BFN pantry will be open longer hours than other pantries in Berkeley in order to serve populations who find it difficult to attend existing pantry distributions. We'll help smaller food aid programs by transporting food to the places where people need food and expanding access to free food. And we'll work to ensure safe food handling practices every step of the way. Along with food from the Alameda County Community Food Bank, BFN will facilitate donations from local grocery stores, restaurants, and urban farms through a robust recovered food program. We'll offer a convenient and accessible recovery facility with operating hours that match the needs of local businesses. In addition to improving access to healthy and delicious food for food-insecure Berkeley residents, BFN's food recovery program will help Berkeley reduce the amount of edible food sent to landfill, thereby reducing greenhouse gases." As you can see, BFN offers vital services with a heart and amazing humans who run the daily operations. It was such a blessing to have been a part of a positive collaboration of peers and can't wait to lend a hand again! If you are looking for a way to give back in the area, I cannot recommend BFN highly enough!

I rarely leave reviews like this, but what my 70-year-old father and I experienced at Berkeley Food…read moreNetwork was deeply disturbing and completely inconsistent with the "dignity" and "community care" image this organization publicly promotes. My father, who previously underwent open-heart surgery, waited in line for HOURS to receive food assistance. I arrived about 10-15 minutes later so we could enter together, something that had previously been allowed without issue. Instead, a volunteer named Sara B. stopped us and aggressively enforced what staff and management later admitted was merely a "verbal policy" requiring continuous physical presence in line. When I respectfully asked for a written copy of the policy being enforced against my elderly father, none could be produced because apparently it was never formally written or communicated. What shocked me even more was management's response. Rather than showing compassion, flexibility, or basic human decency toward a medically vulnerable senior citizen who had already waited for hours, facility manager Fruhar Safa became defensive, dismissive, and more focused on asserting authority than resolving the situation fairly. We were repeatedly told my father should simply go stand back in line again after already waiting for hours. This organization constantly speaks publicly about equity, dignity, and care for vulnerable communities. But based on our experience, the reality on the ground felt very different. If this is how elderly people with serious medical histories are treated while seeking basic food assistance, the public, donors, and community partners deserve to know. Organizations serving vulnerable populations should be held to a higher standard -- especially when they receive public trust, donations, and community support. They practice the opposite of what they preach no matter what they say on the website. I believe the federal funding and donors could be well spent somewhere else than this organization. The quality of their foods is mediocre too.

I was so heartbroken and discriminated . I stood in the line and I waited for my turn. They turned…read moreme away because I am handicap and I was on a mobility scooter. They said I needed to walk in there which made me feel so humiliated. I could not eat because I could not walk. They had tons of people around that could've supported and helped me get the food but instead they made me feel like I was unworthy. I will never go to this place again I felt like they were heartless.

1st time today 10.26.21: This is my 1st time here. I'm in…read moreline right now and cant wait to get inside to see how the food is given. I give them 5 stars just for donating their time and energy to help us people in need. Nowadays it's hard to find people that will sacrifice their time to help other people... without wanting anything in return. They just did the head count. People have big bags and rollaway carts. I have 2 medium size bags. They must give lots of food. Okay. Got to go. Ill give a 2nd review right after i walk out the gate.

Just updating my previous review. The fridge has since been replaced with a better one, so I'd…read moreraise my rating from 1 to 4.

I added some food to the Free food Fridge on 44th and Telegraph today. It's stocked! I noticed a…read morefresh ready-made salad and some veggies. What a great place to "take what you need, leave what you can." The fridge is actually cold, so people can leave perishables. Such a great idea!

Amazing employees and office workers! Great place to do Community service with friendly, fast, and…read moreorganized service. Jose is very helpful and always looking out for everyone and he is the most passionate, hardworking, and kind person. Great break room also. Provides coffee, snacks, and etc! Not too hard to do keep in mind every bag you make is feeding a family and it helps a lot. I was really nervous and afraid that the task of doing community service was going to be hard and I have anxiety and being in there got me the comfort I needed to keep going and the employees always gets me going too. It made me to the fact that I want to donate my time at least once a month after doing 103 hours worth of community service. Jocelyn is also helpful with my situation and is best and giving advice, helping out with my situation, and very caring for those that need community service for any reason! I recommend going to this place for any court orders, hours needed for school, work, and etc! Thank you again food bank for your help!

This is gonna be a long post so brace yourselves for a read…read more The SHCC Mixer at Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano was probably the most educational mixer I have attended so far this year. I had absolutely no idea how much the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano does for our community! This place is gigantic! They are committed to providing those in need in our community with healthy food options. This place is stacked with food we are talking racks on racks on racks! If there is EVER a zombie outbreak this is where I am going ‍ we will be set! In all seriousness I was so amazed at all the different ways they help our community! From no ask drive up food donation locations, to suppling large amounts or food to shelters. There are so many ways to get involved with this nonprofit and they need all the help they can get. Thank you for a wonderful mixer Solano Hispanic Chamber and everything you do for your members. Interested in getting involved here is how You can donate money! The food bank is able to purchase food at whole sale less then grocery store prices. Every $1 donated is enough food for 2 meals. You can donate food! Most needed items: Protein- Peanut Butter Hearty Soups Dried or Canned Beans Canned Meats & Tuna Fruits & Veggies- Canned Fruit in Juice Canned Vegetables Canned Tomato Products Grains- Brown Rice Whole Wheat Pasta Whole Grain Cereal You can volunteer: You can host a food drive! 1. Decide when you will host your drive 2. Get people involved to collect our most-needed foods (shopping list on back!) 3. Drop off your food and find out how much of an impact you made! 4. Add a virtual food drive to raise much-needed funds at foodbankccs.org/virtualfooddrive You can house a collection bin in your business! You can organize a team building volunteer day! Use their Find Food Map to locate places nearby to get free food from the Food Bank and their partners. They have many different programs out their to help the community: COMMUNITY PRODUCE PROGRAM/PLUS: Families and individuals can pick up 15-20 pounds of FREE fresh produce and a variety of perishable and nonperishable food* twice a month. SENIOR FOOD PROGRAM: FREE groceries twice a month to individuals aged 55 or older. Bring a picture ID that shows age, and proof of address (PG&E bill, for example). PARTNER AGENCIES: Neighborhood partners offer FREE food and services to the public. Find your local pantry or soup kitchen to check their current hours and offerings. CALFRESH OUTREACH: CalFresh is a grocery assistance program that helps you purchase food. Our friendly staff can help you find out if you are eligible and apply for benefits. Foodbankccs.org

I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Solano Food Bank via Kaiser Permanente…read more First let me say, WOW! What an operation. Upon driving up you can't help but notice that their building is HUGE! It's as big as a Costco! Tons of trailers were docked getting filled up by the many volunteers. They even had a Amazon trailer at the loading/unloading dock. There were approximately 30+ volunteers. We all gathered at the picnic tables inside the warehouse. Coffee, Tea, and snacks were provided - nice touch. We all worked together to load many boxes of food that were sent on a rolling conveyor belt with volunteers all along it. I was a team of 2 that stacked the boxes on multiple pallets before a forklift driver whisked them away. It was so awesome to be apart of. If you ever have a chance to volunteer please do so.

A great service to the community and the crowd we were serving in Oakley was very thankful and…read morekind. William did a great job managing everyone around the food truck and giving easy to follow instructions.

I came here as a volunteer event with my coworkers and I can say it was hard work, but very…read morerewarding and most importantly fun! Sign up for this event was very easy. You sign up before you arrive and check in at the lobby sign in kiosk. They do require masks at this time, but do provide you with extra masks and gloves if you do forget yours. Before your shift, you do a temperature check/screening outside which is very easy and non invasive. Parking is safe. A gated lot with tons of security cameras and volunteers in the parking lot at all times. With outdoor tent eating area. Tasks include sorting fruits/veggies and bagging them for transport. Organizing boxes ect. A task for everyone. The volunteers are all very helpful and nice. And at the end of your shifts you can see how much meals you provided. Shifts are 3 hours each. One from 8:30-12 and 12-3. Time flies when having fun. Highly recommend this place to volunteer and give back. Link to volunteer: https://www.accfb.org/get-involved/volunteer/

I've been here two times and this is a great & safe place to volunteer! You must sign up in advance…read moreonline. There's two 3 hr shifts, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Once you get to the location, park all the way in the back, to the right side, then enter through the door. Once you enter, you'll be greeted, write your name on a name tag, then you'll check in on the computers, and they'll lead you to a room where they'll introduce you to the ACCFB, talk a little bit about the history, safety, etc. They also have lockers if you want to put your bag inside, and they have a break area where you can leave your water bottles, etc. The restroom is also clean as well! For the volunteering portion, I bagged apples & potatoes, and also assembled the giant cardboard boxes to fill up the produce and fruits in. It is super fun and you get a 15 minute break in between. This is a great location to do this solo, with family/friends, or even with work! There are lead volunteers around to help you with anything you may need. At the end, they'll recap how many pounds of foods were pack and how many meals will be served to the community. It is such a wonderful place to volunteer and I know it won't be my last time coming here!

Food insecurity is scary, but Berkeley Food Pantry is a balm. I've visited a few times when I was…read moreunemployed or between paychecks. The staff are efficient, friendly, & treat everyone with respect. You get 4 bags of groceries, including fresh bread, seasonal produce, a meat or fish, and shelf-stable milk, as well as pantry staples, like beans rice, & pasta. The staff will check you in quickly and take the groceries to your car. A lifesaver!

I went with a friend who is going through some hard times. They give everyone 4 bags of food, and…read morethere are a lot of good things in those bags: fresh bread, eggs and fruit - not just rice, beans and canned goods. Highly recommended if you are having trouble stretching your food budget. You need to live in Berkeley or Albany, otherwise no questions asked. Everyone working there was extremely nice as well.

If you use the food pantry get there early as numbers go quickly. That said, the people that work…read morehere are friendly and helpful. They give a wide variety of food & are really organized. This a good place to go if you need food.

If you are a home owner in the Bay Area, you probably have a fruit tree, or two, on your property…read more And if you take care of these trees, they bestow you with an abundance of fruit - lemons, oranges, tangerines, mandarins, grapefruit, plums, apricots, peaches, nectarines, persimmons, figs, pomegranates - more than you can possible eat, make into pies, jams, or pickles, or give away to neighbors, family or friends. Often, no one wants your excess fruit, because they have plenty of their own, thank you! And then you're in a jam, or pickle (both puns intended) because the tree rats (aka squirrels) start attacking your fruit, or it rots on your tree or in your yard. But not in our home! Because we pick ALL our fruit, and donate the excess to TriValley Haven Food Pantry in Livermore! We walk in (they are currently at 150 North L Street), no appointment needed, and drop off the fruit, which gets donated to families in need. They'll even give you a donation receipt, handy for your tax return. You're welcome!

As of Summer 2025 For privacy, try to be respectful to…read moreeveryone But just to show how many people do need the Food Bank and do need help Donated before but after seeing that many people waiting for their turn, I needa do more Writing this review in hopes more people notice this place too and offer whatever they can for those in need

650 West Ranger Ave Alameda, CA 94501…read more(@ Alameda Point) April is Earth Month, and I heard that food donation is a great way to reduce food waste. It also helps the community by helping those in need. So I decided to donate to the Alameda Food Bank. The Alameda Food Bank (AFB) is located at Alameda Point, aka "The old Navy Base." It's currently in an old warehouse. According to the website, they are open M-W-F. https://www.alamedafoodbank.org/ The process of donating items was pretty easy. You just walk in, place your donations in the marked bin and that's it. I thought someone would check it first, so I asked staff what to do. A supervisor came over and simply said leave it in the bin. It's so easy, I'll be doing again!

ABSOLUTELY do not know how to follow through with anything they tell you they will do. They strung…read moreus along for months because there was "something they were working on for us", and all kinds of promised help that never came through. All up until they kicked us out of the hotel they had put us in, never came through with somewhere to go from the hotel (even after reassuring us they had somewhere for us). So now we are back to living on the streets and wishing we had never even heard of this organization.

I was discriminated against two different ways, going there for a meal…read more Never again; I had a bad feeling I regret not following, that this would be the case. It was really blatant, too. They favor their friends, the guys that work there. I don't want your food, at the end of the day.