About Mercy Brown Bag Program
Over 40 years of serving older adults nutritious food every month
About Mercy Brown Bag
Mercy Brown Bag was founded in 1982 by the senior residents of Mercy Retirement and Care Center (MRCC), in the Fruitvale district of Oakland. The seniors, living comfortably at MRCC, observed that many of their senior neighbors did not have sufficient food and approached neighborhood businesses asking for cash and donated groceries to build bags of food to give to their neighbors in need.
Today, 43 years later, Mercy Brown Bag feeds 10,000 seniors across Alameda County twice a month. Brown Bag distributes free, nutritious groceries to qualified, low-income seniors at over 80 locations in 13 cities, from 82 different locations.
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.
Our Impact
Mercy Brown Bag is transforming lives—bringing hope, dignity, and healthy food to seniors throughout Alameda County. With every grocery bag and every caring volunteer, we’re building a stronger, more connected community where no senior is left behind
Our Team
At Mercy Brown Bag, our work is powered by an incredible team. From program leadership to warehouse support and volunteer coordination, each team member contributes their skills and energy to ensure thousands of older adults have access to healthy, nutritious food every month.
Community Partners
Many community partners, including businesses, foundations, agencies, and organizations stand beside us, providing generous support and collaboration, to ensure that older adults across Alameda County have access to nutritious food and compassionate support. We are proud to recognize them here.
