Eden Area Food Pantry Information

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By Barbara Adranly

The Eden Health District wishes to assist those in the community facing food insecurity to find and obtain food for themselves and their families. We have gathered information on area food pantries. Please keep in mind that due to changing conditions, dates and times of service may change. We recommend you call ahead or visit the pantry’s website first. If you notice any information that needs to be corrected or updated, please contact Barbara Adranly by email at badranly@ethd.org. Thank you.

Castro Valley:

Castro Valley United Methodist Church
(www.castrovalleyUMC.org)
19806 Wisteria St., Castro Valley
(510) 581-3486
Meals are distribute on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11:45 am to 12:15 pm. Meals are prepared by Meals on Wheels/Spectrum. Advance registration is required. Reservations for meals must be made 3 business days in advance. The suggested donation is $3.75 for 60 years and older. Meal cards may be purchased for $35 for 10 meals.

Hayward:

Eden United Church of Christ
Location of food pantry – 21455 Birch Street (in Oliver Hall), Hayward
Phone – 510-582-9533
(Comida Para Cherryland During COVID-19 Website)

“You may be wondering: Are Comida days still continuing during this COVID-19 pandemic? The answer is yes, Eden Church is still distributing food every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month starting at 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm, or until food is gone. Our staff is in compliance with the guidance from the Public Health and CDC. Meaning we ask that all of our volunteers wash their hands with warm water and soap, and that they wear a mask and gloves, which is provided by us.

In addition to our safety measures, we ask that all individuals who arrive for food to please stay in their vehicle and open their car trunks, so that our staff can place the food in your trunks. If you arrive by foot, we ask that you passionately wait (6-feet apart) until one of our staff brings food to your being.

If you need emergency food on our non-comida days, please call the Office Manager at (510) 582-9533, to schedule an appointment to pick-up a food bag from Monday – Friday between 9 am – 4 pm.”

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South Hayward Parish
27287 Patrick Avenue
Hayward, CA 94544
Call the Food Distribution Coordinator at (510) 785-FOOD (3663) for assistance.
[Double green doors]

Face coverings required (if you don’t have your own one will be provided if available).

Emergency Food Program – Our food pantry or food bank provides emergency food for individuals and families.

Mon – Friday, 1:30 – 4:30.  [Note: participants will register and select a specific weekday to come for food pick-up.]

Applications will be accepted from residents of Hayward, Castro Valley or Union City. 

Food items: meats fresh or canned, fresh produce, canned foods, dried foods, dairy, breads sweets (dependent on inventory).

Volunteers will pre-bag items which are handed out (due to COVID-19 people cannot come in and browse the pantry).

People are asked to bring own bags.

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Spectrum Community Services
(www.spectrumcs.org)
(510) 881-0300

“We are closely monitoring the changing conditions surrounding the novel Coronavirus/COVID-19, and staying up-to-date on new developments through national, state and local public health organizations.

At this time, we are happy to report that the majority of Spectrum programs are operational.  Most importantly, we are continuing to deliver meals to our homebound seniors.  Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes are being used during meal deliveries to ensure that both clients and volunteers remain healthy.

Additionally, Spectrum has received approval to temporarily allow takeout food from our senior dining sites.  Senior Take Home Meals for Registered Seniors, $3.75 suggested contribution.“

Advanced reservation required to ensure a meal is available.  Call site directly or call the central meal ordering hotline (510) 881-0300 X 242; 72 hours in advance, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Hayward Area Senior Center
22325 N. Third Street, Hayward
(510) 881-6768
(www.HaywardRec.org)
Monday-Friday 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm

Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.)

HARD announced their partnership with Spectrum Community Services to provide a take-away meal program for seniors aged 60 and over, beginning Wednesday, April 1, 2020.

Meals will be distributed for curbside pick-up Monday-Friday, between 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm at the Hayward Senior Center located at 22325 N. Third Street, Hayward, California.

Participants must be registered to participate in the program.  Seniors must have completed a Spectrum Registration form prior to receiving the meals.  The registration form will be available at the pick-up line or the form may be found at www.SpectrumCS.org/senior-services/senior-meals.  Reservations are requested, limited extra meals will be on hand.  A curbside pick-up station will be set up on site for registered seniors to pick up their meals.  A donation to Spectrum Community Services of $3.75 per meal is suggested.

Menus are posted on the Spectrum website as well as in the Castro Valley Forum and San Leandro Times weekly newspapers.   Participants must call in their reservation three (3) business days in advance.  Please call H.A.R.D. at (510) 881-6768 and leave a message on the voicemail that includes your name, phone number and day you want to reserve your meal. For additional program questions, please call Recreation Supervisor Daniela Keiffer at the same number or email at KeiD@HaywardRec.org

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Hope for the Heart – Food Distribution Center

(www.hope4theheart.org)
22035 Meekland Avenue
Hayward, California 94541
(510) 581-4673

Hope 4 the Heart is open to families every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 12:30. Please bring own bags for food.

Food: Produce, meat, dairy, eggs, bread etc.

We also serve the community every 3rd Saturday of the month. Families must be in line by 7:30 am as we stop giving out numbers at that time. For this outreach we ask that families bring a picture ID, a current bill mailed to their home as proof of address and a birth certificate if they would like diapers for children under 3 years old. 

We are implementing both ways to distribute food at this time.

Masks must be worn. We try our best and continue to remind families to keep a 6 foot distance

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San Leandro:

Halcyon Baptist Church
(www.halcyonbaptist.org)
2860 Halcyon Drive
San Leandro, California 94578
(510) 351-3921

The food pantry is available for emergency food between the hours of 12 pm – 2 pm and 4 pm – 6 pm.  Clients needing emergency food will receive a pre-filled box of a variety of shelf-stable foods and non-perishables.

The food pantry will be available for its regularly scheduled giveaway two days per month: The third Wednesday of the month, and the immediately preceding Tuesday (two consecutive days) from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.  On these days clients can choose from available food and are assisted by several staff persons.  Food items generally include shelf-stable canned and boxed goods, and some produce (dependent on inventory).  Please bring your own bags if possible.

For those who are unable to cook food, special food items are provided that do not require cooking.

Measures are in place to monitor social distancing.  Masks: if the client does not have a face mask or covering the food will be taken to them by staff.

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All Saints Episcopal Church
(www.saintsalive.net)
911 Dowling Blvd.
San Leandro
(510) 569-7020

Food Pantry:  1st & 3rd Saturday of each month, for 1st Saturday the pickup is between 11 am and 2 pm, for 3rd Saturday the pickup is between 1 pm and 2 pm.

Groceries are placed in bags for curbside pickup.  Groceries include canned vegetables and meats, dry beans, pasta, shelf stable milk and juice, fresh produce and frozen meat or poultry.

Pick up is at the curb in front of the church, 911 Dowling Blvd., San Leandro. Stay in car, pop your trunk. No pre-registration is required.

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San Leandro Community Food Pantry
14235 Bancroft Ave.
San Leandro
[Space provided through the Bethel Community Presbyterian Church]

Food provided: (depending on inventory): breads, canned goods, produce, dairy, deli items, meats.  Food distributed by way of “to-go” bags.  Also, RTE (ready to eat) foods are available upon request.

Bring a form of Identification on first visit.

Social distancing protocols: Participants will be expected to line up on marks set at 6 feet apart.  Face coverings are strongly urged.

Satellite distribution through April Showers events on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays of the month from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at Creekside Community Church.

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SLUSD Mobile Pantry @ Adult School
1448 Williams Street
San Leandro
Food Pantry:  1st Friday 1 pm – 3 pm

Ashland Village Mobile Pantry
1300 Kentwood Lane
San Leandro
(510) 481-2556
(510) 582-1460

Pantry:  3rd Tuesday 2 pm – 3 pm held out front in the parking lot.  During pandemic it is only available to residents (prior to the pandemic it was open more broadly to the public in the immediate area).

Items include produce, milk, eggs, beans, canned goods and breads (depending on inventory).  Bring own bags if possible but they have bags.  Social distancing measure of maintaining 6 feet of clearance is attempted.

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Davis Street Family Resource Center
(www.davisstreet.org; Kristal Gonzalez, Basic Needs Coordinator)
3081 Teagarden Street
San Leandro
(510) 347-4620

Food Pantry: Monday-Friday 10 am – 5:00 pm for food distribution (drive-through process); Clients can pick up a grocery bag at the warehouse door or have their bag taken to their car.  If car deliver is desired, call or text (510) 561-9042.

Food is pre-packed (no need to bring your own bags) and contains non-perishables such as grains, vegetables, fruit proteins and other items.  They also give fresh fruit, vegetables, bread and dairy when available.

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April Showers
(www.ihnaprilshowers.org)
Creekside Community Church
951 MacArthur Blvd.
San Leandro

Meals to go: 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays, 1 pm – 4 pm.

In light of the Shelter in Place Order, food will be available in take-away containers which must be eaten away from the April Showers Program site.

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Spectrum Community Services
(www.spectrumcs.org)
(510) 881-0300
 

“We are closely monitoring the changing conditions surrounding the novel Coronavirus/COVID-19, and staying up-to-date on new developments through national, state and local public health organizations.

At this time, we are happy to report that the majority of Spectrum programs are operational.  Most importantly, we are continuing to deliver meals to our homebound seniors.  Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes are being used during meal deliveries to ensure that both clients and volunteers remain healthy.

Additionally, Spectrum has received approval to temporarily allow takeout food from our senior dining sites.  Senior Take Home Meals for Registered Seniors, $3.75 suggested contribution.“

Advanced reservation required to ensure a meal is available.  Call site directly or call the central meal ordering hotline (510) 881-0300 X 242; 72 hours in advance, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

San Leandro Senior Community Center:
(San Leandro Senior Community Center Website)
13909 E 14th Street
San Leandro
(510) 825-9793
(510) 577-7990
Monday – Friday

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Meals on Wheels
(www.sosmow.org)
2235 Polvorosa Ave #260
San Leandro

To inquire about meal delivery service in Castro Valley, Hayward, San Leandro, or San Lorenzo, call Deborah Kuehner at 510-582-1263, ext. 114.

Nutritionally balanced meals are available for delivery Monday through Friday, mornings (10 am – 1 pm) and afternoons (1 pm – 4 pm).

The initial intake screening is done over the phone. A private interview with the eligible senior and/or family is arranged shortly after the initiation of meal service to ascertain the unique needs of the individual.

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Mercy Brown Bag Program
(www.mercybrownbag.org)
[Must pre-register by calling (510) 534-8540, ext. 369; 10 am – 12 pm]

The Mercy Brown Bag Program distributes groceries to seniors throughout Alameda County twice a month, free of charge. Depending on availability, each bag is brimming with nutritious items, such as fresh milk, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes, carrots, oatmeal, plums, canned goods, low-sodium spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, tuna, eggs and more.

San Leandro Senior Center
835 E. 14th Street
2nd and 4th Monday 10 – 11:00 am

Ashland Community Center
(Ashland Community Center Website)
1530 167th Avenue
San Leandro, CA 94578

District Administration Office
(510) 881-6700
(510) 881-6755

2nd and 4th Friday 8:30 am – 9:30 am

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Public Schools

Castro Valley USD:

CVUSD offers “Grab and Go” meals for any person age 18 and under; this is open to students and non-students. Meal service will include a hot lunch to go and two bagged breakfasts and an additional lunch. The additional meals should be refrigerated immediately to stay safe for consumption.

 
Pick up available at the following school sites:

  • Creekside Middle School – 19722 Center Street – 11 am – 12:30 pm
  • Castro Valley Elementary School – 20185 San Miguel Avenue – 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
  • Stanton Elementary School – 2644 Somerset Avenue – 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

 San Leandro USD:

 
Meal Services for children 18 and under:

Free meal service for all children 18 and under will continue without interruption throughout this entire closure period. Service days are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 am -12 pm at the following locations:

  • San Leandro High School – 2200 Bancroft Avenue
  • John Muir Middle School – 1444 Williams Street
  • Monroe Elementary School – 3750 Monterey Boulevard

Multiple days-worth of meals will be available on each of these days. Able to provide meals for up to three students without them having to be present.

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Hayward USD:

(Free Food During School Closure Info. Page)

Students will receive “grab-and-go” breakfast and lunch for the day at the same time between 11 am – 12 pm, Monday through Friday during this time. Families can drive up to each location and meals will be served to all students under 18 years of age. No identification is required and families can go to any of the following locations. Social distancing guidelines will be enforced for the safety of those providing and receiving these services.

“Students need not be present”

  • Cherryland Elementary                    456 Laurel Ave.
  • Fairview Elementary                         23515 Maud Ave.
  • Longwood Elementary                      850 Longwood Ave.
  • Park Elementary                                411 Larchmont Street
  • Schafer Park Elementary                  26268 Flamingo Ave.
  • Treeview Elementary                        30565 Treeview Street
  • Tyrrell Elementary                             27000 Tyrrell Ave.
  • Hayward High School                        1633 East Ave.
  • Chavez Middle School                      27845 Whitman Street
  • Eden High School                        2300 Panama Street

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San Lorenzo Unified School District:

(San Lorenzo Unified School District Grab and Go Breakfast and Lunch Flyer)

Grab and Go Breakfast and Lunches:

Due to the shelter-in-place SLZUSD will now serve food out of Arroyo High School, Hesperian Elementary & Hillside Elementary from 11am-1pm 

  • Arroyo High School 15701 Lorenzo Avenue, San Lorenzo
  • Hesperian Elementary School  620 Drew Street, San Lorenzo
  • Hillside Elementary School 15980 Marcella Street, San Leandro

Food is available to any child 18 and under on a first come, first serve basis.

On pick up day, child can receive one lunch meal for same day and one breakfast meal for the following morning.

Please bring a grocery bag or cooler to transport food home to help maintain freshness and keep it safe for consumption.

Meals are not allowed to be consumed on site to allow for social distancing.

Please continue to check the District website for latest information

  • Note – sites and locations subject to change.

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Outside of Immediate Eden Area:

Alameda County Community Food Bank
Volunteer and Food Donor Programs
7900 Edgewater Drive
Oakland
(www.accfb.org)
Helpline: (510) 635-3663

“As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together, one thing is clear: we’ll be here for as long as we’re needed. Anyone in need of food is allowed to access food distributions, groceries, etc. during the shelter in place.

 

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