For Our Youngest Shoppers
She stood beside her mother quietly, waiting for her to finish.
I smiled and asked, “How old are you?”
“Seven,” she replied softly.
“Would you like chicken nuggets, frozen waffles… or maybe some ice cream today?”
She glanced up at her mom for approval, then looked back and answered with certainty:
“Nuggets. Chicken nuggets.”
A grin stretched from ear to ear.
This moment — small but powerful — happens every day in our pantry.
We make it a priority to offer our youngest neighbors choices and familiar foods they love. When families are facing hardship, so much feels out of their control. Something as simple as choosing nuggets or waffles can restore a sense of normalcy, comfort, and dignity for a child.
At our pantry, we believe every child deserves not only nourishment, but the chance to feel seen, heard, and empowered — even in the smallest decisions.
Because poverty takes away choices.
Together, as a community, we help give them back.
Top Shelf – Our Programs
First quarter 2026 numbers continue to climb, food costs are too high for many families in Hayward, San Leandro and the unincorporated areas of Cherryland, Ashland, Castro Valley and San Lorenzo.
Middle Shelf – Community in Action
With Gratitude
Thank you to the Eden Health Foundation for the generous $20,000 grant which will fund operations and expansion of services to provide food to more families. We are proud to be the recipient of the Eden Health District 2026 Community Health Fund Grant.
We are incredibly grateful to have been awarded a $3,000 grant from the Hayward Rotary Club on March 30th, which will help us expand food access for underserved families in Hayward.
We also sincerely appreciate the generous donation of four new tires for our food recovery van from Seever and Sons of Pleasanton—support like this keeps our work moving forward and makes a meaningful difference in our community.
A record-breaking 67,441 pounds of food was donated to us in February by the Alameda County Community Food Bank made possible by the generosity of holiday food drives. We’re deeply grateful to our community members for their support contributions to the ACCFB.
Bottom Shelf – A Growing Need and a Stronger Community
Supporting the Pantry and the Truck that Delivers It
Mobile Food Pantry
We’re filled with deep gratitude as we share a long-awaited milestone—our new vehicle is finally in production with completion on the horizon. More than just transportation, it represents hope and a new way for us to reach and serve communities in need.
As we prepare to bring it from Maine to California, we’re stepping forward with faith and compassion for those we serve. Due to rising costs from current economic tariffs, we’re facing unexpected additional expenses, and we humbly ask for your support—your donations will help cover increased costs so we can continue showing up for those who need it most. The Mobile Food Pantry is scheduled to be available for the community in July 2026.
Thank you for believing in this mission and for walking alongside us.
Please donate HERE, and Thank YOU!
https://givebutter.com/slfhcfarmerstruck
Direct Support to the Pantry
As we continue to provide fresh and culturally meaningful foods for our community, some of our pantry shelves are beginning to thin — especially our canned meats and vegetables.
If you are able, we welcome donations of:
- Canned chicken, tuna, and other meats
- Canned vegetables
- Hearty meal starters like chili or stews
Other Ways to Support
There are many ways to support the work we do at the San Lorenzo Family Help Center (SLFHC). In addition to one-time or monthly donations please consider:
- Hosting a fundraiser on our behalf – create an event and invite friends and neighbors, then donate the funds to SLFHC.
- Use your company giving platform and matching program – look to see if San Lorenzo Family Help Center is in your company non-profit donation platform. If we are not, then ask how they can add us.
Leave a legacy and add us to your estate plan – When you include the San Lorenzo Family Help Center in your estate plan, your generosity ensures an impact well into the future.
We need your help to defeat hunger in the unincorporated area in and around San Lorenzo in Alameda County, CA. We cannot do it without you.
Donation checks can be sent to our mailing address: PO Box 172, San Lorenzo, CA 94580-0172
Your support — through donations, volunteer time, advocacy, and trust — makes this work possible. Together, we are turning awareness into action, and action into lasting change.
The San Lorenzo Family Help Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3), EIN 30-0554038.
Congratulations to our new board members
Help us welcome our three new board members: Nancy Jones, Stacy Sterling and Ron Lew.
Website: slzhelp.org
PO Box: PO Box 172, San Lorenzo, CA 94580-0172
Pantry Location: 20960 Corsair Blvd, Hayward 94545
