Safe food pantry, with security cameras out front at least for those in need. I understand the…read moreprocess to receive food can take all day because it requires waiting in line for a number early in the day, then returning later in the day when the number is called and people receive food. That seems like it would be very impactful to people's lives, if they need to spend the better part of any given day to receive food. That means a 20% loss of potential time to find work for the week. And even more than that because they may miss calls or otherwise be unavailable to attend to jobs business from previous applications for the better part of a day. It also seems like a lot of time in transit to go back and forth twice from home to the pantry, unnecessarily polluting our air from exhaust from combustion engines in vehicles and power plants where electricity is generated, not to mention the cost for gas and maintenance or vehicles for people who cannot afford it. It seems like a raffle where names are randomly selected from the list of people who have registered online in the morning would be a better service to the customers but I guess the implication is that these people's time is not important because they are not working and they deserve to wait in line for hours during cold mornings, standing on cement. At least there is shelter from the awning for the first people who arrive but the others bake in sunshine. Often the later people to arrive don't even wait in line because there is no room to actually do so, so they wander around the parking lot. Compared to the competition, I hear this is a food pantry but still lacking in services required for humane delivery. I won't even start to share the rumors I've heard about how badly people are treated by some staff and some volunteers, as well as people dropping off food. Suffice it to say that there seems to be an 'Us and Them' phenomenon going on amongst providers, despite their sometimes apparent good intentions.

If you use the food pantry get there early as numbers go quickly. That said, the people that work…read morehere are friendly and helpful. They give a wide variety of food & are really organized. This a good place to go if you need food.

They are quiet generous and the Indian lady who is the manager is divine! Bless her heart!read more

Gave this a try as I'm still a student and have yet to get into my career. My mother came…read morefrequently to this food bank when I was a child. I remember it being a way more human experience and receiving a cart that had actual food in it. Oftentimes, we would receive close to expiry bakery items from local grocery stores, yogurts, donated little caesars pizzas,canned goods,boxed dry goods,and even things like milk or chicken. My mom was able to make meals out of a lot of the stuff she received back then. Now, coming as an adult, I was a bit surprised and saddened to see that things have greatly changed. At most, you are looking at getting some questionable quality vegetables and maybe a can of tomato sauce or big bag of walnuts. I know beggars can't be choosers, but I honestly don't know what to do with items like this so I've stopped going because for me personally, it is not worth it. If you really need food, like actual food that will sustain you or something that requires less 'cooking' because you are disabled or homeless (or both), I don't recommend coming here. I'd suggest seeking help from a local church or other organization.

Very much appreciated the people are angels straight from Heaven so thankful they really go out…read morethey way!

I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Solano Food Bank via Kaiser Permanente…read more First let me say, WOW! What an operation. Upon driving up you can't help but notice that their building is HUGE! It's as big as a Costco! Tons of trailers were docked getting filled up by the many volunteers. They even had a Amazon trailer at the loading/unloading dock. There were approximately 30+ volunteers. We all gathered at the picnic tables inside the warehouse. Coffee, Tea, and snacks were provided - nice touch. We all worked together to load many boxes of food that were sent on a rolling conveyor belt with volunteers all along it. I was a team of 2 that stacked the boxes on multiple pallets before a forklift driver whisked them away. It was so awesome to be apart of. If you ever have a chance to volunteer please do so.

I recently lost weight so I donated a full wardrobe and also gently worn and new shoes. I recommend…read moredonating your gently used clothes, shoes and any other items here rather then a Goodwill because they can be given to the people who need them for free rather then donating to an establishment that will resell them. Some people just don't have the funds to even buy from a thrift or second hand store so giving directly to the people who need it is best.

Likely best free Bay area breakfast oatmeal/grits…read more Likely best free Bay area macaroni and cheese. Though likely dependant of cook. You may complain garbage bins everywhere but, there is recycling and compost. IMPORTANT. Right outside, Farmer's Market.

Amazing employees and office workers! Great place to do Community service with friendly, fast, and…read moreorganized service. Jose is very helpful and always looking out for everyone and he is the most passionate, hardworking, and kind person. Great break room also. Provides coffee, snacks, and etc! Not too hard to do keep in mind every bag you make is feeding a family and it helps a lot. I was really nervous and afraid that the task of doing community service was going to be hard and I have anxiety and being in there got me the comfort I needed to keep going and the employees always gets me going too. It made me to the fact that I want to donate my time at least once a month after doing 103 hours worth of community service. Jocelyn is also helpful with my situation and is best and giving advice, helping out with my situation, and very caring for those that need community service for any reason! I recommend going to this place for any court orders, hours needed for school, work, and etc! Thank you again food bank for your help!

This is gonna be a long post so brace yourselves for a read…read more The SHCC Mixer at Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano was probably the most educational mixer I have attended so far this year. I had absolutely no idea how much the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano does for our community! This place is gigantic! They are committed to providing those in need in our community with healthy food options. This place is stacked with food we are talking racks on racks on racks! If there is EVER a zombie outbreak this is where I am going ‍ we will be set! In all seriousness I was so amazed at all the different ways they help our community! From no ask drive up food donation locations, to suppling large amounts or food to shelters. There are so many ways to get involved with this nonprofit and they need all the help they can get. Thank you for a wonderful mixer Solano Hispanic Chamber and everything you do for your members. Interested in getting involved here is how You can donate money! The food bank is able to purchase food at whole sale less then grocery store prices. Every $1 donated is enough food for 2 meals. You can donate food! Most needed items: Protein- Peanut Butter Hearty Soups Dried or Canned Beans Canned Meats & Tuna Fruits & Veggies- Canned Fruit in Juice Canned Vegetables Canned Tomato Products Grains- Brown Rice Whole Wheat Pasta Whole Grain Cereal You can volunteer: You can host a food drive! 1. Decide when you will host your drive 2. Get people involved to collect our most-needed foods (shopping list on back!) 3. Drop off your food and find out how much of an impact you made! 4. Add a virtual food drive to raise much-needed funds at foodbankccs.org/virtualfooddrive You can house a collection bin in your business! You can organize a team building volunteer day! Use their Find Food Map to locate places nearby to get free food from the Food Bank and their partners. They have many different programs out their to help the community: COMMUNITY PRODUCE PROGRAM/PLUS: Families and individuals can pick up 15-20 pounds of FREE fresh produce and a variety of perishable and nonperishable food* twice a month. SENIOR FOOD PROGRAM: FREE groceries twice a month to individuals aged 55 or older. Bring a picture ID that shows age, and proof of address (PG&E bill, for example). PARTNER AGENCIES: Neighborhood partners offer FREE food and services to the public. Find your local pantry or soup kitchen to check their current hours and offerings. CALFRESH OUTREACH: CalFresh is a grocery assistance program that helps you purchase food. Our friendly staff can help you find out if you are eligible and apply for benefits. Foodbankccs.org

I have been experiencing such hardship in the last 6 months of my life. I came today. Hungry, no…read morefood. You have the best volunteers ever. Two young men helped me. I was in tears. Lelo and another gentlemen, plus many others. I cannot walk very far. They helped me pack of food I in tears. They pushed me in a walker to my car. Loaded food in. I just cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate you all. I sincerely mean it. What would I have done. Not much. Please commend these gentlemen and all your hard workers. Diane

Staff is really rude. It also took them like a half hour to actually open so you may as well show…read moreup around 12:30. Definitely been to way better pantries with nicer staff that are prompt and actually begin their shift on time so probably won't go back.

Great place. Does allot for the community. Food give away is good…read more helpful and great place to Donate too.

I volunteer to serve lunch weekly. The staff are friendly and amazing. They go above and beyond…read moreserving this community. The shelter guests are the reason I help out. They are such a blessing and so grateful for anything you do. Listening to their stories gives me a real perspective and understanding. Jolie Egusa

This review is written as an observer at a distance given lack of access during the recovery…read moreprocess. Most info gained through family members who have had direct contact and my own research. This program and organization is unlike any other I've seen or heard of. While being very structured in many ways such as lack of outside communication for most of 11 months, this allows the individual to step out from under the burden upon them, long enough to make the personal changes needed. The facilities are excellent, and the needs of the participants are well met. Religion may not be your thing, but if accepting God into your life helps reduce the anxiety, or other inhibiting factors, why not? If participants learn to think about their actions prior to acting, they learn to avoid problems, and get help when they recognize it on the horizon. Those are much needed skills today. The support shepherds gate receives from all the churches in the tri-valley area is nothing short of amazing! It is evident by the volunteer support the organization receives. This program has attendees learning coping skills necessary to live functionally in today's world. They help them develop computer skills. They help them interview for and get employment. They have access to every resource from sponsors to doctors and therapists. Attendees of the program seem very positive. Some refuse to play by the rules and are removed from the program. In the end this is a free 11 month program. Not because insurance is covering it, they don't charge. Yes that's written correctly. This is a program that gives the time needed to move to a new lifestyle, and have stabilization. I can't imagine what this would cost otherwise. When it seems like everyone's got an angle to rob you blind, here is the purest form of love and support. I had my reservations given its structure. But the feedback is outstanding.

Always a pleasant experience. Staff and manager are always helpful and friendly…read more Stock is neatly arranged and buyable. Not only is Shepard's Gate worth a visit, but they support our community.