Food Programs

If you are low-income and in need of food assistance, call the Emergency Food Helpline at (800) 870-3663 or go online at foodnow.net

Lake Lunches

Lake Merritt UMC distributes healthy lunches on Tuesdays and Thursdays to individuals in need around Lake Merritt. In 2020, despite COVID19, we distributed over 5,000 bagged lunches. Volunteer to prepare or deliver lunches (see sign-up box).

Wednesday Lunches

Each Wednesday, delicious well-balanced lunches prepared by local restauranteurs are made available to the community for curbside pick up from our 1st Avenue parking lot. This is made possible through Oakland’s Summer Food Service Program and World Central Kitchen. Contact the church office to volunteer for this program.

Feasting with Friends

On Friday evenings, we gathered in fellowship to prepare a warm meal for our neighbors in the Lake Merritt Community Cabins. As we prepare to serve our neighbors that welcome us to their table, we seize the opportunity to foster community around a feast. This program is suspended indefinitely during shelter in place.

Laney College Partnership

On the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month, Lake Merritt UMC, in partnership with Laney College, distributes dry food items, such as peanut butter and canned tuna, to students who come to the church (entire on the ground level of the Lakeshore side). A 2017 study conducted at Laney College found that over half of student respondents have low food security in one form or another. The Alameda County Food Bank also delivers fresh produce on campus on the first and third Tuesdays. This program is suspended indefinitely during shelter in place.