Food Programs

Lake Lunches

Lake Merritt UMC distributes healthy lunches and hygiene supplies on Tuesdays and Thursdays (11:30 – 1:00) to the unsheltered and other individuals in need around the southwest end of Lake Merritt. We go to where people are living with wagons of lunches and other supplies. We provide 400 lunches a week, 20,000 over a year. Additionally, every Tuesday we also provide walk-up bag lunches from the church parking lot at 1pm. All lunches are prepared every Monday at 2pm. Volunteer to prepare or deliver lunches (see sign-up box). And check out this video about our service to our unhoused neighbors – video

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

Food Pantry – 4th Saturday

Are you in need of food assistance? The Food Pantry distributes food on the 4th Saturday of every month, 8:00am – 10:00 am at the Lakeshore side of the church building.

The Lake Merritt United Methodist Church Food Pantry, in partnership with the Alameda County Community Food Bank, has been serving the Oakland Community for over 30 years by providing free food to individuals and families in need. Currently, food is shared through a client-choice distribution model where folks can select food instead of pre-filled bags. The Food Pantry provides nutritious shelf stable foods and fresh fruits and vegetables. Last year, we distributed 130,000 pounds of food, including 85,000 pounds of fresh produce to over 15,000 people throughout the year.

Community Thanksgiving Dinner