Lake Merritt United Methodist church

The LMUMC Food Programs, in partnership with the Alameda County Community Food Bank and several other community groups, has been serving the Oakland community for over 35 years by providing free food to individuals and families in need in our immediate Lake Merritt community and the Alameda County. The food programs provide nutritious shelf stable foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, and meals on a regular basis to senior citizens, college students, the unsheltered, and families with children. Our programs have worked towards alleviating food insecurity as illustrated by ACCFB’s 2014 report “Hunger: Alameda County Uncovered” where One in ten Bay Area residents struggles to get enough food and Oakland’s homeless rate has risen 40%. This past year has certainly amplified the need for programs like ours to bring resources and support to our community. Current programs include a monthly food pantry distribution serving 300-400 households monthly and lunch distribution three times a week to nearly 100 individuals each day. Our programs also serve as an access point for community volunteers to learn about the community needs and offer their support. Through the ongoing relationships of volunteers and our guests/neighbors, we also help connect resources when individuals share their needs at point of service.