BNFP supports organizations in Berkeley dedicated to addressing food insecurity in our community. Since our first “Harvest” in August 2012, we have collected and provided more than 183,000 pounds of food to such services. With food insecurity on the rise and funding for safety-net programs being slashed, the need for what we do is greater than ever. Neighborhoods all across Berkeley are contributing to this effort, making a difference in the lives of others, and building community while doing so. Our partnership with the Berkeley Food Network gives us a chance to have an even bigger impact, as they serve not only food-insecure individuals and families but also other organizations allied in the same effort. Join us!
Mobilized to Help the Hungry
Following a model first developed in southern Oregon some 15 years ago, we ask our donors to fill a durable green canvas bag (which we provide) with “one extra thing” we ask them to purchase each time they go grocery shopping. (We give them a list of Most Needed Items and ask them to prioritize those goods.) Every two months–always on “the second Saturday of the even-numbered month”–we come by to pick up their bag full of food donations, and leave an empty bag for the next time. Donors are recruited by a neighbor (their Neighborhood Coordinator), who provides them with the green bag, reminds them of an upcoming pickup, and keeps them informed about how much they are contributing to the local effort. Donors frequently express their appreciation for the opportunity to take part in such a meaningful effort to help others in their community–and for how easy it is to do it!
Our Partner: Berkeley Food Network
Berkeley Food Network was founded in 2016 to redesign hunger relief around grassroots partnerships; its mission is “to build an accessible, food-secure future for our community. We envision a community where everyone has reliable access to the nourishing food and resources they need.” We at BNFP heartily embrace those values, and are delighted to have forged a partnership with BFN in service to our joint aim of addressing food insecurity in our community. Berkeley is a caring, giving community, and the work that BFN and its partners do is an example of Berkeley at its most caring and most giving. We’re proud to be part of that work.
Most Needed Items
Canned meat, soups, fruits, and vegetables; cereals; shelf-stable dairy and non-dairy milk; peanut butter and other nut butters; nuts and dried fruit; ground coffee and boxes of tea bags; shelf-stable non-meat alternatives; ready-to-eat items (granola bars, snacks, etc.)
Help Us Have Even Greater Impact
BNFP currently collects 2,000-plus pounds of nutritious food each “Harvest” cycle–and BFN and their clients are very glad to receive it. We know we could collect and provide more–if we had more members. We’re always happy to welcome new food donors, but we’re especially looking for new Neighborhood Coordinators! Creating a BNFP “neighborhood” is fun and immensely rewarding–and in these times of inflation, rising unemployment, and reduced funding for safety-net programs, the need has grown rapidly. YOU can help address this need, build community, and experience the satisfaction that comes from service. Come join us!