At the San Francisco Foundation, we know philanthropy isn’t just about giving—it’s about showing up for one another. It’s about neighbors stepping in when times get tough and communities proving that we’re stronger together. Currently, thousands of families are losing SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown and are wondering how they’ll put food on the table. The Alameda County Community Food Bank reports an increase of more than 600% in calls to their Emergency Food Helpline
And the Bay Area? We rise to the challenge. We roll up our sleeves. We lean on each other. We act. Across this region, we see generosity and creativity everywhere: All reminders of why this community is so extraordinary and why our shared commitment to each other matters.
Pantries and community kitchens are popping up across the Bay.
- Across the Bay Area, a little free library organizer transformed book-sharing boxes into mini food pantries, urging neighbors to “swap books for food and essentials until shelves—and bellies—are full again.”
- Community Kitchens Oakland is stocking neighborhood fridges and partnering with local restaurants to keep meals flowing.
- HOMIES Empowerment has reimagined its FREEdom Store, moving to scheduled pickups to preserve dignity and safety for families impacted by SNAP loss.
Restaurants are leading with heart. A simple offer: free meals for kids whose families rely on SNAP, sparked a wave of generosity. For example:
- Monster Pho in Oakland is serving free bowls of pho to kids 12 and under, plus discounts for parents. Owner Tee Tran says, “If everyone does a little bit, it comes a long way.”
- Al Pastor Papi in San Francisco is giving away up to four burritos per week to families who show their EBT cards. “No child should go hungry—shutdown or not,” said Miguel Escobedo of Al Pastor Papi.
- Tony & Alba’s in San Jose is offering a free meal to children with a parent who has an EBT card. Owner Al Vallorz said on social media “…Was it Mother Teresa who said, you don’t have to do great things, just little things? Well, this is our little thing.”
Because philanthropy isn’t just about wealth, it’s about will. And the Bay Area has plenty of both. That’s what makes the Bay Area special. That’s what makes philanthropy real.
San Francisco Foundation supports local food banks
The San Francisco Foundation is providing $200,000 in matching grant funds to four Bay Area food banks. These matching grants will double the impact of all individual donations to the food banks up to $50,000 for each food bank:
We hope these matching funds will inspire generous giving in this moment. Last month, SF-Marin Food Bank leveraged its SFF match to raise over $50,000 in a single day. Additionally, SFF donors have contributed $300,000 to these four food banks in the past month.
Join Us in Building a Just and Equitable Bay Area
These grassroots efforts reflect the values we hold dear: community, solidarity, and shared responsibility. If you want to be part of this movement, partner with us. Together, we can strengthen the safety net, invest in local leadership, and ensure that every family has what they need to thrive.
