During the holiday season, we are surrounded by images of families enjoying meals together, exchanging gifts, and celebrating the warmth of the season. For many, these moments highlight the abundance we often take for granted. But for those struggling to make ends meet, these images can serve as a stark reminder of the challenges they may still face in achieving their dreams of a better life.
That’s where Alameda Food Bank steps in.
For over 47 years, our food bank has worked tirelessly to ensure that families in our community don’t have to face hunger during the holidays—or any time of year. What started in a closet at Twin Towers Methodist Church has now grown into an organization that serves 1,300 families every week, providing not just food but a lifeline to those who need it most.
Each week, we see a wide variety of people coming through our doors. Some visit regularly, perhaps facing ongoing financial difficulties. Others are here only once or twice, relying on us for short-term help when times are tough. In fact, more than 50% of our households visit our Island Community Market less than 12 times a year, a clear indicator that many of our neighbors simply need a little extra support when their resources fall short.
One of the things that makes Alameda Food Bank truly special is the unwavering support we receive from our community. It’s the generosity of local donors—whether they contribute food, funds, or their time—that enables us to meet the growing demand and make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. These dedicated individuals show up each week to help stock shelves, assist families as they shop, and provide a warm welcome to our clients. Their efforts are invaluable, and without them the food bank could not operate at the scale we do.
The generosity of donors, both large and small, is equally critical. It’s because of our community’s commitment to helping others that we’re able to provide nutritious food to over a thousand families each week. Alameda Food Bank is proof of how powerful collective action can be, with individuals, schools, businesses, and local organizations coming together to ensure that no one goes hungry in Alameda.
But our work is far from over. The need for food assistance continues to grow. As of last year, we registered nearly 100 new families each month—an ongoing reminder of the challenges many face in our community. While we are grateful for the progress we’ve made, we know that there’s still much work to be done.
We are committed to meeting that need, but we cannot do it alone. The support of our community—through donations, volunteering, and advocacy—is what sustains us and allows us to continue our work. The holidays are a time for giving, but the need for help extends far beyond the season. It is through year-round support that we can continue to provide families with the resources they need to thrive, not just survive.
Alameda Food Bank has come a long way from its humble beginnings. From the small group that first donated food in 1977 to the thousands of people who support us today, our story is a testament to the power of community. As we move into the holiday season, we offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has given their time, money, or food to help our neighbors in need. Your generosity and commitment to helping others are what make this community so special.
Together, we can ensure that every family in Alameda has access to the food they need—and that they know they are not alone. We wish you all a joyful and meaningful holiday season.
Teale Harden is Executive Director of the Alameda Food Bank
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