Food Assistance

We know the ongoing federal government shutdown may be creating challenges for some families - especially those who rely on food assistance programs. We want to make sure you have the most up-to-date information and know that we are here to support you. We will be sharing and updating resources on this page.

Food Assistance Updates

• SNAP food benefits (called CalFresh in California) may not receive federal funding starting November 1. This could impact benefits for many families.

• WIC benefits are expected to continue through at least late November.

• Medi-Cal and other health coverage programs are not affected at this time.
  
  

How We Can Help
Our priority is making sure all families have access to food and nutrition support during this uncertain time:

• We are gathering information about local food resources, including food banks, meal programs, and community food drives. If you need help locating support in your area, please reach out.

• If you are experiencing an urgent need for food, please contact the school administration. We may be able to help with grocery gift cards or other emergency support.
  
  

Feel free to access our Seneca Community Resources here: Seneca Community Resources 

We know this situation may be stressful. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if your family could use assistance - we are here for you.

Resources, by County

Alameda  

County Response: The county has approved $10 million for local programs that feed residents: $8.3 million will go to the Alameda County Community Food Bank and $1.7 million will be spent on meals for senior residents.  

Food Banks:  

• Alameda County Community Food Bank – Connects families to different food sources  

• Website: https://www.foodnow.net/  

• Phone number: 510-635-3663 

• Location: No physical location, connects families to different food sources (emergency groceries, home-delivered groceries, and monthly benefits)  

• Hours: Visit website or all for information on distribution times and same-day meal connections  

• Berkeley Youth Alternative – Physical Food Bank  

• Website: https://byaonline.org/events-1-0fTnm  

• Phone number: 510-845-9010 Ext. 214 

• Location: 1255 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94702  

• Hours: Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 11 am – 1 pm and 4 pm – 6 pm  

• Monster Pho – Offering families on SNAP/CalFresh a 25% discount and their children under 12 a free meal  

• Website: https://www.monsterpho.com/  

• Phone number: 510-788-4459 

• Location: 360 40th St. Oakland, CA 94609 

• Hours: Wed – Sun, 11 am – 8 pm  

• Understory – Offering a “pay-what-you-can” dish  

• Website: https://understoryoakland.com/, Instagram post: https://www.instagram.com/p/DQLE24kCVhR/?img_index=1  

• Phone number: Not listed  

• Location: 3340 International Blvd., Oakland 

• Hours: Tues. 9 am – 12 pm; Wed – Fri 9 am – 2 pm & 5 pm – 9 pm; Sat – Sun 11 am – 3 pm  

• Puerto Rican Street Cuisine – Offering $6 kid meals for SNAP recipients 12 and younger.  

• Website: https://www.puertoricanstreetcuisine.com/  

• Phone number: 510-603-2906 

• Location: 1430 23rd Ave., Oakland, CA 94606 

• Hours: Tues – Sat 12 pm – 8 pm  

Contra Costa  

County Response: The county has issued an update on their website, but has not allocated additional funds.  

Food Banks:  

• Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano – Connects families to different food sources  

• Website: https://www.foodbankccs.org/  

• Phone number: 855-309-3663 

• Location: Not a physical location, connects families to free food programs and other nutrition resources via their Food Map 

• Hours: Visit Food Map to find specific locations and hours  

• OG Tacos – Offering free tacos dorados to people who present their SNAP and ID cards. Families can get up to three meals  

• Website: https://www.ogtacosonline.com/  

• Phone number: Not listed  

• Location: Antioch Flea Market (1201 W 10th St., Antioch, 94509) & Epidemic Ales (150 Mason Cir #J, Concord, 94520)  

• Hours: Antioch Flea Market Sat 9:30 am – 2 pm; Epidemic Ales Tues & Fri 4 pm – 9 pm  

San Francisco 

County Response: The county will share any updates on their website. San Francisco residents with SNAP/CalFresh benefits will receive gift cards from the city with emergency funds to help cover the missing benefits.  

Food Banks:  

• General KQED resource: https://www.kqed.org/arts/13982957/snap-calfresh-ebt-november-shutdown-meals-food-assistance-san-francisco-bay-area 

• Al Pastor Papi – Offering SNAP recipients up to four free burritos a week  

• Website: No official website, Yelp page: https://www.yelp.com/biz/al-pastor-papi-san-francisco-2  

• Phone number: No phone number listed  

• Location: 232 O’Farrell St., San Francisco, CA 94102  

• Hours: Tues – Sat, 11 am – 8 pm  

Three times a day Soup Kitchen:  

https://www.glide.org/programs/daily-free-meals/