November 3, 2025
Resources for Alameda County Residents After SNAP Disruptions
As many of our clients and community members have heard, SNAP benefits (known as CalFresh in California) are currently suspended due to a federal government shutdown. This disruption affects thousands of families, seniors, and individuals across Alameda County who rely on monthly food assistance to meet basic needs.
Image via Joel Muniz
At Easy Does It Emergency Services, we understand how unsettling this news can be. We want to emphasize that this post is not about politics, it’s about people. Regardless of the cause, the impact is real, and our focus is on helping our community stay nourished and supported.
What You Can Do Right Now
If you or someone you know is affected by the SNAP suspension, there are still many ways to access food in Alameda County. Below is a list of food banks, pantries, meal programs, and restaurants offering free or discounted meals to those in need.
Food Banks & Pantries
Alameda County Community Food Bank
Helpline: (510) 635-3663 (M–F, 9am–4pm)
All Saint Episcopal Church
San Leandro and Alameda Co. residents. ID for 1st visit to register.
Alameda City Food Bank
Alameda City residents, ID and proof of address required, One visit per week.
Berkeley Food Network
Alameda City residents, ID and proof of address required, One visit per week.
Food Not Bombs
Haste above Telegraph, Berkeley
Mon-Fri: 3pm vegan/vegetarian meal.
Homies Empowerment FREEdom Store
Location: 7631 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland
Tuesdays: 10am–4pm
Services: Food pantry, toiletries, baby supplies
Contact: (510) 542-9993
East Oakland Collective
Location: 7800 MacArthur Blvd
Hot Meals: M/W/F at 12pm
Groceries: T/Th at 11am
Contact: (510) 990-0775
CityTeam Ministries
Location: 722 Washington St, Oakland
Hot Meals: Served daily (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Pantries: Multiple locations across Oaklan
Restaurants Offering Free or Discounted Meals
HP Taco Truck
Free meals for individuals with valid SNAP cards
Humbowl
Free meals for children with CalFresh/EBT cards
Monster Pho
Children under 12 only with valid SNAP card
OG Tacos
Up to 3 meals with valid SNAP card
Puerto Rican Street Cuisine
Up to 3 meals with valid SNAP card
Understory
Up to 3 meals with valid SNAP card
Wahpepah’s Kitchen
Seniors and Children with valid SNAP cards
Tony & Alba’s Pizza and Pasta (San José)
Free kids’ meals with EBT card; discounted meals for parents.
Al Pastor Papi (San Francisco)
Free burritos for CalFresh recipients
Senior & Family Services
Meals on Wheels
Five separate programs that deliver free meals to Seniors (60+) throughout Alameda County.
School Meal Program
Contact your local school district for enrollment:
Oakland Unified: (510) 434-3334
Alameda Unified: (510) 337-7000
Mercy Brown Bag Program
Free groceries twice a month for seniors,
Contact: (510) 269-9640
Additional Support
- Dial 211 or visit Eden I&R for food, housing, and emergency services.
- First 5 Alameda County Help Me Grow: (888) 510-1211 – multilingual support for families.
- Alameda Kids Resource Directory: alamedakids.org
We know this is a difficult time. If you’re struggling to access food, please reach out. Whether it’s a hot meal, a bag of groceries, or help navigating services, you are not alone. Easy Does It Emergency Services is here to support you and connect you to the resources you need.
If you’d like help finding a specific food resource near your zip code, feel free to contact us directly or visit FoodNow.net.