Emeryville SNAP Relief Food Drive

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In this time of uncertainty related to ongoing federal immigration operations, the federal government shutdown, and the pending temporary discontinuation of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beginning November 1, 2025, we want to provide information and resources to help those impacted in the city.

We understand that these events create challenges for many households, and we are committed to ensuring residents have access to accurate information, local resources and community support.

Food and Community Assistance

Community members on SNAP have not received their November 1, 2025 distributions because of the federal government shutdown. Residents needing food assistance can contact the Alameda County Community Food Bank (510) 635-3663 for free groceries. Neighborhood distribution sites, and CalFresh application help or Emeryville Citizens Assistance Program (ECAP) at their temporary site of 2628 San Pablo Ave. Food distribution Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM or Mercy Brown Bag Program which provides free groceries for older adults, distributions every 1st and 3rd Thursday at Emeryville Senior Center, 4321 Salem Street.

Community Solidarity

Thousands of federal workers and local residents are affected by the shutdown and the SNAP disruption. We encourage everyone who can to donate to local food banks and support neighborhood organizations serving our most vulnerable neighbors.

The City of Emeryville will continue to share information and resources as they become available.

Emeryville SNAP Relief Food Drive Information

Wednesday, November 5 – Friday, November 14
201 students in the Emeryville Unified School District are currently not receiving their SNAP benefits. This food drive will support these students and their families until their benefits are reinstated.

Non-Perishable Food Donations
Canned Goods: Chicken, tuna, luncheon meat, tomatoes, vegetables, legumes, and similar items.
Shelf-Stable Items: Milk, rice, canola or olive oil, dry beans, oats, cereal, pasta, pasta sauce, stock or broth, bouillon, peanut butter, and other pantry staples.

Monetary Donations
Donations can be made online at ecapprogram.org
When donating, please write "EUSD" in the “write note (optional)” section to ensure funds are properly directed.

Volunteer Opportunities
To volunteer, contact Nicholas Sayarad at nicholas.sayarad@emeryville.org or call 510-450-7800

 

How You Can Help

Examples of Non-Perishables and Perishable Items

Non-Perishable Items (can be stored long-term without refrigeration)

  • Grains & Cereals: Rice, pasta, oats, quinoa, cereal

  • Canned Goods: Beans, vegetables, fruits, soups, tuna, chicken

  • Dry Goods: Lentils, chickpeas, beans, flour, sugar

  • Baking & Cooking Ingredients: Salt, spices, baking powder, oil, vinegar, honey

  • Snacks & Convenience Foods: Crackers, chips, nuts, dried fruits

  • Beverages: Coffee, tea, powdered milk, juice boxes

  • Condiments: Soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise (shelf-stable)

  • Other: Peanut butter, chocolate, shelf-stable cheese, pasta sauce

Perishable Items (require refrigeration or quick consumption)

  • Fruits & Vegetables: Apples, bananas, berries, leafy greens, tomatoes, carrots

  • Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, cream, butter

  • Meat & Seafood: Chicken, beef, pork, fish, deli meats

  • Eggs

  • Baked Goods: Bread, pastries, cakes (without preservatives)

 

Alameda County Social Services Agency: Assistance and Food Distribution Resources

To help reduce the impact of delayed benefits, the Alameda County Social Services Agency (ACSSA) has implemented several coordinated actions in partnership with the Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB) and other community organizations.
Food Distribution Support

Temporary, free food distribution pop-up sites have been established at select SSA offices. These sites operate twice weekly while the shutdown remains in effect.

  • ACSSA staff are assisting onsite with food distribution and client support.

  • ACCFB coordinates food delivery, setup, takedown, and logistics.

Food Distribution Locations
  • Thomas L. Berkley (North Oakland): 2000 San Pablo Avenue, Oakland

  • Eastmont Center: 6955 Foothill Boulevard, Suite 100, Oakland

  • Enterprise Center: 8477 Enterprise Way, Oakland

  • Gail Steele Center: 24100 Amador Street, Hayward

Additional Food Assistance Resources

Residents in Fremont and Livermore, as well as individuals contacting the SSA Call Center, can be referred directly to the following resources:

  • ACCFB Food Helpline: (510) 635-3663 (Monday–Friday, 9 AM–4 PM, multilingual support available)

  • Online Resources: www.FoodNow.net and www.ComidaAhora.net

  • ACCFB Home Delivery Program: Available for individuals unable to visit distribution sites. SSA staff have referral forms for this service.

 

Non-Food Related Resources

Banks and Credit Unions

Bank of America
Assistance is available for furloughed federal employees. Call the Priority Assistance Line at 844-219-0690 for more information.

Chase Bank
Chase is offering support for U.S. government employees affected by the shutdown. Call 1-888-356-0023 for details.

Congressional Federal Credit Union
For information about the Relief Line of Credit or other assistance programs, contact Member Services at 800-491-2328 or visit a local branch.

FedChoice Federal Credit Union
Offering several assistance options for both existing and new members. Visit the FedChoice website for more details.

Interior Federal Credit Union
Special loans are available for both members and non-members who are furloughed federal workers. Loans up to the equivalent of two net paychecks are available, with interest-free terms up to 30 days. Call 800-914-8619 or visit the website for more information.

Navy Federal Credit Union
A special loan program is available for eligible members. Review the FAQs or call 1-888-842-6328 for assistance.

PayPal
PayPal has allocated $25 million to provide interest-free cash advances to furloughed federal workers. Available to new and existing PayPal Credit customers with accounts in good standing. Loan amounts range from $250 to $500. Existing customers can call 1-877-689-1975; new applicants should apply online before calling.

U.S. Bank
Late fees will be waived for missed mortgage payments due to the shutdown, and first payment dates for new mortgages may be deferred.

U.S. Employees Credit Union
Shutdown loans are available through Tuesday, January 15. Call 312-922-5310 for details.

SunTrust Bank
Programs are available to assist clients affected by the shutdown. Contact SunTrust for additional information.

Synchrony Bank
Customers affected by the shutdown may defer payments on Synchrony-issued store cards (Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, JCPenney, Chevron/Texaco, and others). Contact Synchrony Bank directly for details.

Union Plus
Union members may be eligible for multiple forms of assistance, including a $300 furlough grant, mortgage assistance, and grace periods on insurance payments. Call 800-472-2005 for information.

Wells Fargo
Wells Fargo offers multiple assistance options for affected customers. Call the customer assistance line or review the list of shutdown resources on the Wells Fargo website.


Grants and Federal Assistance

FEEA-NARFE Fund
Provides $100 grants to active federal employee members who are not receiving pay during the shutdown. To apply, visit the FEEA website .

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
Loan payments may be suspended during non-pay status. Documentation of furlough is not required at this time. Missing one or two payments will not cause a loan to default. Log in to your account or call the ThriftLine at 1-877-968-3778 for assistance.


Auto and Financial Services

Toyota Financial Services / Lexus Financial Services
Eligible customers may qualify for up to two months of payment extensions or lease deferrals.

  • Toyota Financial Services: 800-874-8822

  • Lexus Financial Services: 800-874-7050

Hyundai Motor Finance
Extending loan and lease payments for 30 days for federal employees affected by the shutdown. Call 1-800-523-4030 for assistance.

Kia Motors Finance
Offering 30-day deferred payments for customers impacted by the shutdown. Call 1-866-331-5632 for more information.

Ford Credit, GM Financial, and Mercedes-Benz Financial Services
Providing qualified customers with options such as payment deferrals, late fee waivers, and dedicated support lines. Contact providers directly for details.


Mobile Telephone Service Providers

AT&T
Assisting customers with late fee adjustments, extensions, and revised payment schedules.

Sprint
Offering short-term payment solutions. Call 1-888-211-4747.

T-Mobile
Providing short-term assistance and flexible payment arrangements. Call 1-877-746-0909 or dial 611 from a T-Mobile device.

Verizon
Offering flexible payment options and a “Promise to Pay” program that allows future-dated payments. Call 1-866-266-1445.


Rental Assistance

National Rental Home Council
Members of the Council are offering deferred rent payment options with no late fees for furloughed renters.

OPM Sample Letters for Creditors and Mortgage Companies
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) provides sample letters for federal workers to use when requesting assistance from landlords, mortgage lenders, or utility providers.


Insurance Assistance

MetLife
Offering a one-time 30-day grace period on auto and home policy premium payments for those not receiving a paycheck. Call 1-800-GET-MET8 for details.

Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company
Waiving cost-of-insurance charges for 30 days for policyholders affected by the shutdown.

  • Policies beginning with “Y”: 844-800-9146

  • All other policies: 888-513-8797