Find Food Today


If you are in need of food, you are not alone. Food insecurity is widespread among older adults. According to Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks, nearly five million seniors in the United States worry about having enough food. Senior hunger raises the risk of chronic health conditions, depression, and homelessness.

The Mercy Brown Bag Program distributes groceries to seniors throughout Alameda County twice a month, free of charge. Depending on availability, each bag is brimming with nutritious items, such as fresh milk, tomatoes, green peppers, potatoes, carrots, oatmeal, plums, canned goods, low-sodium spaghetti sauce, peanut butter, tuna, eggs and more. Throughout the year, generous donors help us add frozen chicken or ham, stuffing, cranberry sauce and other treats.

An older man wearing an apron, cap, and glove waves while standing by boxes of produce at a food distribution event, with others working in the background.

Find Free Food & Groceries

Our Locations

Am I Eligible?

We are happy to provide nutritious groceries to our neighbors in Alameda County who are 60 years old and older and have incomes that are less than 232% of the federal poverty line. These are the income guidelines for our USDA sites:

  • For a one-person household, the maximum monthly income is $2,949
  • For a two-person household, the maximum monthly income is $4,002
  • For a three or more person household, the maximum monthly income is $5,056
  • The maximum income increases with additional family members.

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.

Book a Tour

Mobile Grocery Truck

CommonSpirit Grocery Store

Food As Medicine

USDA Policy of Non-Discrimination

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, and reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact program of USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information is available in languages other than English.

To file a complaint alleging discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027 or at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.

File a Complaint

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410

Email:
program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.