Ways for families to get food during COVID-19
Children 18 and under can pick up nutritious lunches for free during the summer at City of Berkeley parks and certain Berkeley public schools.
These free summer meals are one of several options available to families who need help supplementing food budgets due to COVID-19, including bagged groceries from local food and benefit programs for qualifying families.
Berkeley summer lunch pickup locations
Free lunch pickup at Berkeley parks is open to all youth 18 and under. All meals are "grab and go." Everyone over 12 years old must wear a face covering over their nose and mouth while picking up meals.
Pickups are available Monday-Friday: lunch from 11:30am- 12:30pm, snacks from 2-3pm.
Pickup locations: June 15 to August 7
- Cedar Rose Park, 1300 Rose Street (meals served on Rose Street)
- Frances Albrier Community Center, 2800 Park Street (in front of the building)
- Harrison Street Skate Park, 777 Harrison Street (in front of the Blue Barn building)
- James Kenney Community Center, 1720 8th Street (at the basketball courts)
- Martin Luther King Jr. Youth Services Center, 1730 Oregon Street (in front of the main gate to baseball field on Oregon Street)
- Ohlone Park, Milvia Street (in front of baseball field)
- Strawberry Creek Park, 1260 Allston Way (in the courtyard at the dead end of Allston Way)
- West Campus Pool, 2100 Browning Street (in front of the gate entrance to the pool)
Note: the dates on this list were updated on June 23, 2020 to reflect extended operational period for the summer lunch program.
Free summer meals at Berkeley public schools
Free meals for youth are also available for pickup at some Berkeley public schools through the Berkeley Unified School District's summer meal program, which distributes meal bundles on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11am to 1pm. Bundles include breakfast and lunch, fresh fruit, milks, entrees, and sides.
The School District is also providing produce boxes and grocery boxes on select days.
Pandemic EBT
Extra food benefits are available during school closures to families of children who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The Pandemic EBT program provides up to $365 per child to use on food and groceries.
Families who are already receiving CalFresh, Medi-Cal or Foster Care benefits do not need to apply and should have received their P-EBT card in the mail during the month of May. Eligible families who have not received a card yet must apply online by June 30 to receive the benefit.
Food banks
Local food banks have stepped up operations during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure our community members have consistent and safe access to nutritious food. These organizations distribute bagged groceries to those in need, including shelf stable staples, frozen meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy, and bread.
- Alameda County Community Food Bank provides food and CalFresh application assistance to anyone in need, and will connect you with a source for groceries or a hot meal the day you call. Assistance is available in multiple languages. Call (510) 635-3663 Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm.
- Berkeley Food Pantry distributes pre-packed bags of fresh groceries to Berkeley and Albany residents in need on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Pickups are by appointment between 2 and 4pm. Come to the Pantry between 11am and 3pm to get an appointment slip, then return at your designated time for food distribution. 1600 Sacramento Street.
- Berkeley Food Network distributes pre-packed bags of fresh groceries to Berkeley and Albany residents. Open Monday-Thursday 10am-2pm, Mondays & Wednesdays 5-7pm, and 1st & 3rd Saturdays 10am-12pm. 1925 Ninth Street.
