Food and Nutrition for Older Adults

The programs listed below provide food and supplemental bags of groceries to older adults.

Mercy Brown Bag

The Mercy Retirement & Care Center’s Brown Bag Program provides a bag of supplemental groceries twice a month, free of charge, to Alameda County residents who are 60 years and older and have incomes less than 232% of the federal poverty line. The bags are distributed at several senior centers, senior housing sites and churches throughout Alameda County. Normally, the bags consist of bread, milk, fresh produce, assorted canned foods & other items depending on availability. Seniors must pick up food themselves or send someone on their behalf. To register and for pick-up site locations, call: 510-269-9640.

Alameda County Community Food Bank

Partners with local food pantries, hot-meal programs, senior centers and other non-profits throughout Alameda County to distribute food. To find a location to pick up groceries or a hot meal, community members can call the Food Assistance Helpline at 510-635-FOOD (3663) or visit FoodNow.net or ComidaAhora.net. 

City of Alameda Food Bank (serves City of Alameda)

Serves those who live, work or go to school in the City of Alameda only. Food distribution and food pantry information, call 510-523-5850 or visit, www.alamedafoodbank.org to schedule an in-person shopping appointment or order curbside pickup.

Project Open Hand (Oakland Office)

Wellness Programs serves the sick and vulnerable who need food to support their medical treatment. Offers Medically-Tailored Meals, Fresh Groceries, Mobile Groceries, and Nutrition Counseling and Education. Contact 510-622-0221 or visit https://www.openhand.org for more information.

Tri-City Volunteers (serves Newark, Fremont, Union City residents)

Emergency Food Baskets, food distribution and mobile pantry. For more information call: 510-793-4583 or visit https://www.tri-cityvolunteers.org.

Local Senior Centers

Contact your local senior center to find out if they offer groceries for their members. Call the Alameda County Area Agency on Aging's Senior Information & Assistance Line at 510-577-3530 for help locating your nearest senior center.

Meals on Wheels programs provide nutritious meals for older adults, 60 years and older, who are homebound and unable to prepare meals for themselves. Meals are delivered Monday - Friday by volunteer and staff drivers who have undergone thorough background checks and rigorous training. There is a suggested donation, however services will not be denied if you are unable to make a donation. 

The programs listed below offer home delivered meals in Alameda County. Call your local program for more information.

Alameda (City) Meals on Wheels

City: Alameda
Phone: 510-865-6131
Email: alamedamealsonwheels@gmail.com
Serves: all ages

Albany Meals on Wheels

City: Albany
Phone: 510-524-9124
Serves: age 60+

Berkeley Meals on Wheels

City: Berkeley
Phone: 510-981-5250
Email: mealsonwheels@cityofberkeley.info
Serves: age 60+

Emeryville Meals on Wheels

City: Emeryville
Phone: 510-596-4309
Serves: age 60+

J-Sei

Cities: Emeryville, Berkeley, Oakland
Phone: 510-654-4000 ext.105
Email: kathleen@j-sei.org
Serves: Japanese style meals, age 60+

SOS Meals on Wheels

Cities: Oakland, Piedmont, Hayward, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Cherryland, Ashland, & San Leandro, Fremont, Newark, Union City
Contact: 510-582-1263 ext. 118 (Oakland, San Leandro, Hayward, Castro Valley, or San Lorenzo)
Contact: 510-582-1263 ext. 156 (Fremont, Newark, Union City)
Serves: age 60+

Spectrum Community Services

Cities: Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton & Sunol
Contact: 510-881-0305; 510-881-0304 (Livermore)
Serves: ages 60+

Congregate Meal programs provide nutritious meals served in a group setting. They offer individuals opportunities for social engagement and connect older adults with other supports and services.

The programs listed below serve meals at several site locations, including senior centers,  senior housing complexes and other community settings throughout Alameda County. Most site locations serve meals Monday - Friday; however, some locations have different meal schedules. Contacting the program or site in advance to sign-up is a must! Many sites require a reservation of at least 24-72 hours in advance.

There is a suggested donation, but no one is turned away if they are unable to pay.

Open Heart Kitchen

Sites: Dublin Senior Center, Pleasanton Senior Center and Livermore Senior Center
Reservation Line: 925-500-8241
Website: www.openheartkitchen.org

Spectrum Community Services

Serves: Alameda, Castro Valley, Hayward, Oakland, San Leandro, Union City
Click for the nearest site location
Reservation Line: 510-881-0300 opt. 5
Website: www.spectrumcs.org/senior-services/senior-meals

Tri-City Cafe

Sites:
Albany Senior Center
Reservation Line: 510-524-9122

Berkeley Senior Centers
Reservation Line: 510-981-5170

Emeryville Senior Center
Reservation Line: 510-596-3730

J-Sei

Serves: Emeryville, Oakland, Berkeley
Japanese Style Meals
Reservation Line: 510-654-4000 x105
Website: https://j-sei.org/seniorservices/nutrition/

Age Well Centers (City of Fremont)

Lake Side Cafe - Reservation Line: 510-790-6600
Bay Side Cafe - Reservation Line: 510-742-7540
Website: www.fremont.gov/government/departments/human-services/age-well-centers