November 5, 2025

As the government shutdown continues, communities across the country are feeling the impact—especially older adults who depend on systems of support. Many seniors are facing housing and food insecurity, and the ongoing cuts are putting their basic needs at even greater risk.

If you or someone you know is struggling to access food, you are not alone. There are several programs and partners throughout Alameda County offering free meals and groceries for older adults.

Below are trusted local resources providing immediate support:

Home-Delivered Meals & Groceries

Meals on Wheels of Alameda County:

Delivers hot meals Monday–Friday and frozen weekend meals to seniors 60+ who are homebound | Get Meals

• Cities: Alameda, Albany, Berkeley, Hayward, Oakland, San Leandro & San Lorenzo | Contact: 510-654- 4000 ext. 105 | 1285 66th Street, Emeryville, CA 94608
• Emeryville: 510‑596‑4309 | 1011 University Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94710
• Cities: Oakland, Fremont, Union City, Newark, Piedmont, Hayward, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Cherryland, Ashland, & San Leandro | 510‑582‑1263 | 2235 Polvorosa Avenue, San Leandro, CA 94577
• Cities: Dublin, Pleasanton, & Sunol | 510-881-0305 | 2621 Barrington Ct., Hayward, CA 94545
• City of Alameda: 510‑865‑6131 | 516 Willow St., Alameda, CA 94501 (Serves: All Ages)

Mercy Brown Bag Program – Seniors Helping Seniors:

Distributes groceries to seniors 60+ twice a month, free of charge.

Contact: 510‑269‑9640 | Learn More

Spectrum Community Services – Senior Meals Program:

Provide nutritious lunches for seniors at multiple senior centers. No one turned away.

Contact: 510‑238‑3284 | Learn More

Project Open Hand:

Warm meals and groceries for seniors and adults with disabilities.

Contact: 510‑622‑0221 | Get Meals

Food Pantries & Distribution Sites

Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB):

Emergency Food Helpline - provide free groceries and hot meals.

Contact: 510‑635‑3663 | Get Food & Delivery Info

CityTeam – Hot Meal Services & Essentials

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily

Contact: 510-452-3758 | 722 Washington Street, Oakland, CA

Learn More

Pantry Locations (Oakland)

• All Nations Pantry: 5815 San Pablo Ave | 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 1–2 PM
• Fruitvale Pantry: 2744 E 11th St | 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 6–7 PM
• New Hope Baptist Church: 892 36th & Market St | 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 2–3 PM
• New Testament: 1901 62nd Ave | 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 12–1 PM

East Oakland Collective

Groceries, hygiene, and household supplies.

📞 510‑990‑0775 | Learn More

St. Vincent de Paul

675 23rd Street, Oakland, CA | Tuesdays–Saturdays, 10:45 AM –12:45 PM

📞 510‑638‑7600 | Learn More

Need Help Finding Food?

Call the Senior Information Center at 1‑800‑510‑2020 for additional senior meal programs across Alameda County.

These Bay Area Restaurants Are Offering Free Food to SNAP Recipients:

HP Taco Truck

Check Instagram for dates and locations

Present your EBT card at the truck to receive a free meal.

Malibu's Burgers

326 23rd St., Oakland

Lunch and dinner Wednesday through Sunday

Free vegan meals for anyone who asks.

OG Tacos

Check Instagram for locations and times

SNAP recipients can receive free tacos dorados filled with birria, with up to 3 orders per family. (Identification also required.)

Pho 5-10

3295 Castro Valley Blvd., Ste. 204, Castro Valley

11am–9pm daily

For dine-in only: Kids 12 and under and seniors 65 and over can receive a free small bowl of phở. Federal workers also receive 15% off of their checks.

Timeless Coffee & Bakery

1700 Webster St., Oakland, CA

4252 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, CA

Open daily. Free drinks for SNAP recipients and their children.

(Identification required.)

Understory

3340 International Blvd., Oakland

Breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Sunday; plus dinner Wednesday through Friday

The worker-owned restaurant’s seasonal community offering (now, a summery corn soup with leafy greens and mushrooms) is always served on a “pay-what-you-can” basis to anyone who asks.

Wahpepah's Kitchen

3301 E 12th St., Suite 133, Oakland

11am–2pm Wednesday through Sunday

Seniors and children who normally receive SNAP benefits can receive free bison tacos. (Identification required.)

Please share this information with friends, family, and neighbors who may benefit from these resources. Thank you for supporting our community and helping older adults maintain their health, independence, and dignity.

Know a church, place of worship, or organization that would be interested in starting a Memory Care Cafe? 

The Memory Care Café (MCC) pilot program brings together family caregivers and their loved ones living with memory loss to support wellbeing, social connection, and community. Click Here to learn more!

Complete online application/interest form by November 30th, 2025:

• Online Application

Your support provides safety and stability for seniors in need, helping them stay connected and securely housed in our communities. Let’s continue to spread the love together!

If you know an elder in need of our care and coordination services, or a caregiver seeking support, please encourage them to reach out to us at: 

510-834-8314