Started initially in 1969 as a project of the Berkeley Friends Church, the Berkeley Food Pantry has been helping Berkeley and Albany residents in need of emergency food supplies ever since.
Still located inside the church building, the non-profit organization hands out food to locals three afternoons a week, giving both USDA government issued groceries, as well as fresh, perishable items purchased by the organization or received as donations.
Intended as an emergency source for individuals or families in crisis, the food pantry allows only one visit per month per family, but can refer residents to other sources of aid.
Locals who wish to receive groceries from the Berkeley Food Pantry must bring a photo ID which proves they reside in either Berkeley or Albany.
The pantry is mainly volunteer-operated, and interested volunteers can either visit in person or go to its Web site for more details on getting involved.