Cupboard Bare, Food Bank Seeks Donations

By Michael Altfest, Alameda County Community Food Bank

During the busy season, our racks are typically full with food waiting to be sorted and distributed. But right now our refrigerator is almost empty, as are many of the racks. We have more than 2,500 empty food drive barrels and sorting bins. There were just two barrels with food in them, delivered yesterday, when we went out.

Food drives (what our barrels are used for) are one of the primary ways the community can be actively involved in our mission. They make up about one-quarter of the donated non-perishable food that we’ve received this year.

But that’s dried up for now. We’re also at a down time for produce. Both should pick up around mid-May/early June.

But in the meantime there’s not a whole lot coming in from those sources.

Hunger does not get a lot of attention during the springtime, but this is about the time when our need starts to increase during the year.

Last April, our Emergency Food Helpline experienced the highest call volume ever. So we’re expecting a jump in need this month. We know that March call volume was up 10% over last year.   

The quickest way for the community to help Food Banks during times like this is through financial contributions. We purchase most of what we distribute to the community, and can distribute $5 of food for every $1 we receive.

Contributions are tax-deductible.

You can make an online donation with a credit card.

To donate by mail please make check payable to the Alameda County Community Food Bank and send to:

Alameda County Community Food Bank
PO Box 2599
Oakland, CA 94614