Building Community Through Healthy Food
DELIVERING HEALTHY FOOD. Neighborhood volunteers pack bags of produce, grains, and other wholesome food for delivery to seniors and people with disabilities in their community.
Our Food Delivery Networks bring groceries and human connection to seniors and people with disabilities who can’t get to food pantries on their own.
Coronavirus Update: The SF Departments of Disability & Aging Services and of Public Health have classified grocery delivery as an essential activity. We are working with everyone involved to make sure it remains safe for staff and participants. The Food Bank is increasing supplies of shelf-stable items to help people shelter at home.
If you need food, please call the DAS Benefits and Resources Line at 415 355 6700 for the most up-to-date information on available resources. If you or someone you know lives in San Francisco use this Stay Healthy & Connected survey to share your contact information and preferences so that we can stay in touch.
For folks who have a hard time making it to food pantries, our Food Delivery Networks coordinate neighbors to call, stop by with groceries, and check in.
But our Food Delivery Networks also create connections within the larger community: from the volunteers who pack and deliver groceries to neighborhood activities and other local resources.
We have networks in three neighborhoods: Oceanview/Merced Heights/Ingleside (OMI); Parkmerced/University Park (PUP); and the Bayview.
Each Food Delivery Network is a partnership among community leaders, neighborhood organizations, local pantries, the San Francisco Food Bank, and San Francisco’s Department of Aging and Adult Services.
Oceanview / Merced Heights / Ingleside (OMI) Food Delivery Network
SUPPORTING EACH OTHER. The OMI’s Breast Cancer Support Group meet monthly at Lutheran Church of Our Savior and hosts an annual luncheon.
Since 2009, the OMI network has delivered groceries to isolated neighbors and organized activities such as a twice-weekly walking group, regular computer classes, a monthly breast cancer support group, and an annual Aging While Black Forum to provide Neighborhood Volunteers and the wider community with opportunities to connect and support one another.
See our calendar for upcoming activities in the OMI or email Deb Glen, OMI’s Community Connector for more information.
Parkmerced/University Park (PUP) Food Delivery Network
The PUP Food Delivery Network has been bringing healthy food and and connection to their neighbors since 2011. Long-time volunteers develop close relationships with food recipients, often calling in-between deliveries to check in. Read more about their work on our blog.
In addition to delivering food, the PUP Food Delivery Network focuses on individual advocacy and support to help neighbors get the help and support they need to continue to age and thrive at home. For information about the Parkmerced/University Park network, please email Community Connector Karen Holt.
The Bayview Food Delivery Network
BRINGING HOLIDAY CHEER. In December, Glide Memorial church generously delivers turkeys and fixings to neighbors in the OMI, PUP, and Bayview neighborhoods.
In 2013, we expanded our Food Delivery Network to the Bayview. Community Connector Chester Williams, working together with dedicated neighborhood group HP UNITI, now coordinates deliveries to over 50 recipients. Long-time Bayview resident Beverly Taylor calls recipients to check in, remind them of upcoming deliveries, and help them find other resources they might need.
To support the community and build connections, CLC also provides presentations on healthy aging, and offers computer classes. See our calendar for upcoming activities in the Bayview or email Chester for more information.