The holidays can be a mixed bag — joyful but, for many, stressful when there’s a lack of groceries in the home.
Food banks in East County can often provide meals, free food and groceries for seniors, those with a low income and those in need. During winter break, some students will miss out on free meals they receive at school.
“The economy may be getting better but for far too many in our community that has not yet translated into an income level that can keep food on the table,” Larry Sly, executive director for the Contra Costa Food Bank, said.
He added that the number of people the CC and Solano Food Banks provide food to “has increased more than 25 percent in the last two years. One in eight residents now relies on the Food Bank.”
“Partnership with schools like Antioch High helps us reach those in need and are invaluable to feeding our community,” he said.
In addition to Food Bank-run pantries, a number of other groups and churches also offer help. Below is a sampling of some in East County. Before visiting a local pantry, call for hours of operation and requirements (if any).
ANTIOCH
Antioch Ministerial Fellowship, 2507 San Jose Drive, 925-757-1672
Community Outreach Center, 525 E. 18th St., 925-778-1893
Grace Bible Fellowship Church, 3109 Lone Tree Way, 925-522-2017
Holy Rosary Church (St. Vincent de Paul), 1313 A St., 925-757-0941
Visions Christian Center, 2752 W Tregallas Road, 925-777-0290
BAY POINT:
West Pittsburg Community Church of God in Christ, 204 Bailey Road, 925-458-2831
BETHEL ISLAND:
Bethel Island Baptist Church, 3725 Gateway Road, 925-684-3700
BRENTWOOD:
Family Worship Center, 161 Sand Creek Road, Suite A, 925-308-7737
Harvest Time Church, 2200 Ventura Dr., 925-516-1908
Immaculate Heart of Mary (St. Vincent de Paul), 500 Fairview Ave., , 925-634-4154
Rejoyce Christian Center, 90 Village Drive, 925-240-0380
BYRON:
Byron Methodist Church, 14671 Byron Highway, 925-634-6625
OAKLEY:
The Lord’s Pantry, 1349 Yosemite Circle, 925-679-1353
PITTSBURG:
Church of Good Shepherd (St. Vincent de Paul), 3200 Harbor St., 925-432-6404, ext. 17
First Baptist Church, 224 Linda Vista, 925-473-2018
Greater Faith Missionary Baptist Church, 4150 Railroad Ave., 925-427-2161
Pittsburg Seventh Day Adventist Church, 900 Los Medanos St., 925-432-7355
For additional and supplemental food offers provided by the Contra Costa Food Bank, visit www.foodbankccs.org or http://bit.ly/1GnVlfn. It’s important to note that most pantries and the Food Bank count heavily on donations from the community. If interested in donating to the CC Food Bank, which serves East County, visit http://bit.ly/1wyktvG or www.foodbankccs.org for more details.
Reach Trine Gallegos at [email protected]
