Berkeley Food Pantry set to close after merger with Berkeley Food Network collapses

"In a joint statement released by BFN and the pantry's oversight committee, officials stated that the two organizations mutually agreed to end merger negotiations and close the pantry. In the statement they say it became evident that the "structural requirements for a successful transition and continued operation of the pantry exceeded the current capacity of both parties." The statement cited the recent government shutdown, surging need for food assistance, and lack of bandwidth among the church's aging congregation as key factors for the decision."

"For 56 years, the Berkeley Food Pantry has been a lifeline for Berkeley and Albany residents facing food insecurity. Now, the service is set to end after failed merger negotiations. On Dec. 3, Berkeley Food Pantry officials announced that the organization will cease operations after Jan. 31, 2026, with its last day of grocery distribution set for Jan. 30. The announcement comes after Nosh reported in July about a plan for the pantry to merge with the Berkeley Food Network (BFN)."

"In July, the California Association of Food Banks, estimated that over 175,000 people in Alameda County receive CalFresh (SNAP), but in a presentation shared with the Alameda County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 25, staff said that the number was closer to 179,000. Delays in federal SNAP benefits during the recent 43-day government shutdown (the longest in U.S history) fueled record demand at food banks across the country. This year alone, Berkeley Food Pantry officials told Nosh that pantry visits reached 47,589, up from 34,778, - a sharp, 36% increase."

Berkeley Food Pantry will cease operations after Jan. 31, 2026, with the last grocery distribution on Jan. 30, 2026. The Berkeley Food Network and the pantry oversight committee mutually ended merger negotiations because structural requirements for a successful transition exceeded both parties' current capacity. Officials cited the recent 43-day federal government shutdown, surging demand for food assistance, and limited bandwidth among the church's aging congregation as key factors. The pantry has operated out of Berkeley Friends Church at 1600 Sacramento St. since 1969. Alameda County CalFresh enrollment is about 179,000, and pantry visits rose to 47,589 this year, a 36% increase from 34,778. Pastor Micah Bales urged that no pantry user be surprised.

Read at The Oaklandside