Lake Merritt UMC Food Pantry

We are living through unprecedented times with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting our communities. The Lake Merritt United Methodist Church (LMUMC) Food Pantry has been serving the Oakland community and Alameda County for over 35 years as a source of free food to individuals and families. The Food Pantry distributes fresh produce and nutritious shelf-stable food and protein. We continued the work of the food pantry without pause and returned to client-choice distribution.

Volunteer Shifts:

Distribution Set Up: Friday before distribution at 10:00 -11:00 am.

A small team of volunteers is needed to assist in setting up stations for food distribution the next day. The workspace allows for good distancing and frequent hand washing.

Food Distribution: Saturdays 8:00-11 am (Jan-Oct: 4th Saturday of the month, Nov & Dec: 3rd Saturday of the month)

On Saturdays, volunteers staff 12 stations assisting with client check-in and registration, set up, food distribution, line support, and clean up. Additional projects such as preparing hygiene kits and preparing food for Lake Lunches may also take place. The workspace allows for good physical distancing in most spaces and frequent hand washing.

Language Interpreters: Language interpreters are needed in the primary languages of the food pantry visitors including Cantonese, Mandarin, and Vietnamese.

Please indicate if you are volunteering with a group or if you are able to serve as a language interpreter. Email [email protected] for more information about groups and language interpreters.

Food Delivery: If you are interested in supporting food deliveries, please email [email protected]

Needs and volunteer requirements are subject to change.

We serve a vulnerable population where most of our visitors are senior citizens. Due to COVID-19 spread concerns, we require proof of vaccination for all those eligible and masks to be worn at all times. Hand washing or sanitizing before, during, and after volunteering is required.

Why and Impact

Hunger is a serious problem in Alameda County. 1 in 5 families in the county relies on ACCFB Network Agencies for food. The Food Pantry fills an important need in the Lake Merritt and downtown area. Nearly 400 households come for food each time. Last year, we distributed 127,910 pounds of food to these families, including 55,775 pounds of fresh produce. The ACCFB helps ensure we have fresh produce and healthy shelf-stable food. We are staffed completely by community volunteers: students of all ages from Oakland youth organizations and schools around the East Bay.

How can you help:

• Visit Lake Merritt Church Service Page for more information
• Bring goods for the ongoing Hygiene Kit Supply Drive
• Check out https://www.instagram.com/_lakelunches/

Host or Publisher Lake Merritt UMC