Do I qualify for Mercy Brown Bag Program?
Mercy Brown Bag Qualifications:
- Must be 60 years of age or older
- Must live in Alameda County
- Must be within the USDA income guidelines and have an income of less than:
- $2,498/month for one person
- $3,376/month for two people
- $4,253/month for three or more people
- Income includes any wages, retirement, pension, disability, social security, SSI, General Assistance, CAPI, family assistance, etc.
How do I sign up?
Visit one of our sites during a distribution to sign up or contact us. We will ask for basic information such as name, address, and birthday, as well as your monthly income. No paperwork is necessary. Visit the "Get Food" page on this website for more information regarding the locations of our distribution sites.
What do you do with my personal information?
We store your information on our secure database that only staff members and trusted volunteers have access to. Every year on the day you originally signed up for our program, we will update your information on our computers. When we update your information, we will ask for your current address, the number of people in your household, and your monthly income.
Why do you need my signature when I pick up my food?
Our organization receives food from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and they require signatures from their recipients.
What if I cannot pick up my bag?
Coordinate with a friend who can bring your card and get a bag for you, or talk to one of the staff members at your site.
What do I do if I am picking up a bag for someone else?
Please bring their Brown Bag card to the distribution, and we will check them in. We would prefer to have actual signatures from those who are unable to pick up their bags, so please ask us about our alternate pick up forms.
Where does the food come from?
Our food is provided by the United States Department of Agriculture and also purchased from the Alameda County Community Food Bank.
Is there a charge for Mercy Brown Bag Program?
There is absolutely no charge for Mercy Brown Bag Program. We must raise money to purchase food and pay our employees, so donations are greatly appreciated.
Can my roommate and I each get a bag?
No, we allow one bag per household, regardless of your relationship to the person.
Can I go to multiple Mercy Brown Bag sites?
No, we ask that you only go to one site, preferably the one closest to your home.
How many times a month may I get groceries from Mercy Brown Bag Program?
Twice a month.
What if I need more food?
Call the Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB) at 1-800-870-3663. They will let you know about other food pantries, as well as congregate meal sites.
Have more questions?
Please call our office (510)534-8547 ext. 369