Food Security

Food insecurity hits harder during the holidays, challenging spirits and stomachs during times of celebration and gratitude. The Alameda County Community Food Bank and its network of community partners work year-round to serve hot meals and distribute free groceries to those in need. Visit the Alameda County Community Food Bank (foodnow.net) to learn more about these services.

CalFresh benefits are also available to qualifying members of our community. The benefit helps put healthy and nutritious food on the table. For any questions about the program or eligibility, contact the Alameda County Community Food Bank a call or to schedule an appointment ( https://www.foodnow.net/calfresh/ ). They also provide assistance with filling out the application!

For those of you looking to help your neighbors during this season of charity and kindness, consider contributing to community programs through volunteer work or donations. Review our list of Hayward-based organizations ( https://www.hayward-ca.gov/services/city-services/food-access-groceriesfood-giveaways ) and visit their websites or call to see what help they need most in serving our community.

In addition to government aid through programs like CalFresh, jurisdictions are required to support local food recovery programs by California's Short-Lived Climate Pollutant Reduction Strategy (aka SB 1383) ( https://calrecycle.ca.gov/organics/slcp/ ). This recent legislation enables local food recovery organizations to expand their infrastructure, and these organizations have delivered more than 6 million meals in Alameda County since 2018. With the help of local food donors, the program will continue to redirect edible food from landfills to the plates of people that need a meal. These efforts strengthen our community, and help prevent the creation of methane, a highly polluting greenhouse gas created when we bury food in our landfills.