When many people picture a food bank, they may imagine shelves of canned goods and boxes stacked in a warehouse. But the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano has redefined that image—bringing fresh produce, educational programs, and community connection to the forefront of its mission. Serving Contra Costa and Solano counties since 1975, the Food Bank continues to fight hunger and provide access to healthy food for thousands of local families and individuals. Learn more about their mission, how you can help, and where you can access fresh fruits and vegetables through their Community Produce Program.
The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano
The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano operates two large facilities and works with over 260 partner agencies to distribute both fresh and shelf-stable food to people in need. In addition to direct distributions, the Food Bank supports smaller nonprofits, pantries, schools, and community groups, expanding its reach throughout the region. Their goal is simple: reduce food waste, feed hungry people, and increase public awareness around hunger issues. You can learn more directly on their website.
According to the Food Bank, approximately 1 in 8 residents of Contra Costa and Solano counties rely on them for supplemental groceries. Many served include working families, seniors on fixed incomes, children, and individuals who are simply unable to make ends meet due to rising costs of living.
Community Produce Program Locations
The Community Produce Program provides 15-20 pounds of free, fresh fruits and vegetables to low-income residents twice a month. Participants are asked to bring two sturdy bags with handles. Here are current East Contra Costa locations:
Antioch, CA
- Antioch Health Center, 2335 Country Hills Dr — 2nd & 4th Monday, 10:00-11:00am
- Salvation Army-Antioch, 620 E. Tregallas Rd — 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 12:00-1:00pm
- Jubilee Christian Center, 11 Texas St — 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 2:00-3:00pm
- Mission Elementary, 1711 Mission Dr — 2nd & 4th Wednesday, 4:00-5:00pm
- Antioch Kinder Care, 2300 Mahogany Way — 2nd & 4th Thursday, 4:00-5:00pm
- CalFresh Office (EHSD), 4545 Delta Fair Blvd — 1st & 3rd Friday, 11:00am-12:30pm
- St. Ignatius Antioch, 3351 Contra Loma Blvd — 1st & 3rd Friday, 3:30-4:30pm
- Holy Rosary, 1313 A St — 1st & 3rd Friday, 1:30-3:00pm
- Antioch High School, 700 W. 18th St — 2nd & 4th Saturday, 10:00-11:00am
- Carmen Dragon Elementary, 4721 Vista Grande Dr — 2nd & 4th Saturday, 12:00-1:00pm
- Marsh Elementary, 2304 G St — 2nd & 4th Saturday, 2:00-3:00pm
- West River Town Apartments, 811 W. 4th St — 2nd & 4th Sunday, 2:30-3:30pm
Brentwood / Oakley / Bethel Island
- Immaculate Heart of Mary, 500 Fairview Ave, Brentwood — 2nd & 4th Tuesday, 12:00-1:00pm
- The Commons, 53 Carol Ln, Oakley — 2nd & 4th Tuesday, 2:00-3:00pm
- Brentwood Community UMC, 218 Pine St, Brentwood — 2nd & 4th Tuesday, 4:00-5:00pm
- New Covenant Church, 6080 Bethel Island Rd, Bethel Island — 1st & 3rd Sunday, 1:00-2:00pm
- The Dwelling Place Church, 90 Village Dr, Brentwood — 1st & 3rd Sunday, 3:00-4:00pm
Pittsburg, CA
- Buchanan Park, 4150 Harbor St — 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 12:00-1:00pm
- Pittsburg City Park, 167 N. Parkside Dr — 1st & 3rd Tuesday, 2:00-3:00pm
- First Baptist Family Life Center, 224 Linda Vista — 1st & 3rd Thursday, 11:30am-12:30pm
- WIC Pittsburg, 2311 Loveridge Rd — 1st & 3rd Thursday, 1:30-3:00pm
- The Pentecostals, 310 Central Ave — 2nd & 4th Thursday, 12:00-1:00pm
- Solomon Temple, 655 California Ave — 2nd & 4th Thursday, 2:00-3:00pm
- El Pueblo Housing Development, 875 El Pueblo Ave — 2nd & 4th Sunday, 12:30-1:30pm
See a full map of all East Contra Costa locations:
Additional Programs Offered
In addition to its produce distribution, the Food Bank offers a variety of programs that directly serve local residents, schools, and seniors. Programs include:
- The College Pantry Program
- Community Produce Program
- Extra Helpings
- Food Assistance Program
- Farm 2 Kids
- Food For Children
- Harvest To Home
- Mobile Food Pharmacy
- School Pantry Program
- Senior Food Program
- Food Bank Partnerships
Where Does the Food Come From?
Food Bank inventory comes from a mix of sources including donations from manufacturers, wholesalers, grocery stores, farms, gardens, and individual donors. Through partnerships with the California Association of Food Banks, USDA, and local growers, they secure large volumes of fresh produce and non-perishable items.
Monetary donations allow the Food Bank to purchase essential items in bulk, ensuring staples like lentils, whole grains, low-sodium options, and high-protein foods remain available for clients. Financial support remains one of the most effective ways to contribute.
How You Can Help
There are many ways to support the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano:
- Make a one-time or recurring monetary donation
- Donate food items
- Volunteer your time
- Advocate and raise awareness
- Stay connected for ongoing updates and needs
How To Get Help
If you or someone you know needs assistance, the Food Bank offers a variety of programs for children, families, and seniors. Visit the Get Food page to find nearby locations and program eligibility. Programs include:
- Community Produce Program – 15-20 pounds of free fresh produce, up to twice monthly.
- Food Assistance Program – Monthly groceries for low-income individuals with ID and proof of address.
- Food For Children – Monthly food boxes for children ages 4-6 (requires ID, address, and proof of child’s birthdate).
- Senior Food Program – Twice-monthly groceries for low-income seniors 55+.
Visit the Get Food page for updated locations, dates, and times.
Learn More
For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or access services, visit the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano website. The Food Bank has served the community for over 40 years and remains committed to its mission of ending hunger throughout the region.
