No senior should have to choose between paying for rent and food.
Mercy Brown Bag provides free, nutritious groceries to over 10,000 low-income East Bay seniors every month.
Get Food
If you are in need of food, you are not alone. Call us today at (510) 269-9640 to find out if you are eligible for our program
Volunteer
Jump in and make a difference—every hour you give helps feed hungry seniors in Alameda County
Donate
Our work is only possible with our donors help. Find out how to be a champion for Alameda County
Nourishing Seniors, Empowering Community
Mercy Brown Bag began in 1982 as a grassroots effort by the senior residents of Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland’s Fruitvale district. Moved by the needs of their neighbors, they rallied local businesses to donate groceries and funds—creating bags of food for seniors facing food insecurity.
Today, that spirit of compassion has grown into a county-wide movement. Mercy Brown Bag now provides free, nutritious groceries to over 10,000 low-income seniors across 13 cities from 82 distribution sites, twice a month. It’s more than a food program—it’s a community of seniors helping seniors.
Our Programs
Mercy Brown Bag’s three innovative programs bring healthy food directly to seniors. Together, these programs empower seniors to thrive and make healthy choices—no one should have to choose between food and other essentials.
Find Free Food & Groceries
Our Impact
We proudly serve over 10,000+ acutely low-income seniors every month
Donate to Mercy Brown Bag
No one should have to choose between food and other basic needs—especially our seniors.
Yet every day in Alameda County, thousands of older adults face empty cupboards and skipped meals. Your gift brings more than just food—it brings comfort, dignity, and hope to over 10,000 low-income seniors who count on us. Together, we can make sure they’re never forgotten.
Mercy Brown Bag’s Story
Step inside —our blog shines a light on the people, partnerships, and daily efforts that keep thousands of our senior neighbors nourished and cared for. Join us as we celebrate accomplishments, share challenges, and highlight the incredible spirit of our community.
