ALAMEDA COUNTY COMMUNITY FOOD BANK

Agency services - the food bank supports its member agencies in managing government food programs, securing government funding, and adhering to related contracts. The food bank assists member agencies in food safety, equipment and vehicle procurement, and other operational and capacity building functions.nutrition programs - the food bank supports its member agencies and clients through nutrition education services, which are designed to help member agencies and clients utilize the wide variety of products, including farm fresh fruits and vegetables, that may be new to clients. Services include educational classes, nutrition materials, recipes, cooking classes, and taste testing demos to encourage and support healthful eating. Nutrition education services also help clients maximize their other food resources to bring healthy choices to their families.

Other - advocacy, research, community engagement - the food bank's hunger education and advocacy efforts continue to provide a voice for tens of thousands of alameda county residents who face food insecurity. The food bank's staff meets with legislators, grassroots anti-hunger advocates, and other advocacy partners regularly. The program promotes policies to benefit low-income residents such as extending calfresh benefits to people living on supplemental security income, a program that benefits low income seniors and individuals with disabilities. Research activities include measuring food insecurity and mapping food insecurity with services offered to help strategically improve services where they are needed most.