Our Food Pantry distributes to people in need in Oakland and Alameda County.  We distribute food every Wednesday and Friday from 10am to 2pm and Wednesday evenings from 5:30pm to 7pm.

The pantry is designed to assist individuals and families with emergency food.  If you are or someone you know is in need of food, we’ll be happy to assist you.

Our aim is to provide a variety of healthy food.  Usually we have fresh fruits and vegetables, canned food, pasta, rice, bread, and protein.  Occassionally we have other items such as cereal, oatmeal, eggs, chicken, or tofu. We appreciate if you could bring your own bags or cart when you pick up.

Food is distributed from a number of different sources such as USDA, Alameda County, the city of Oakland, the Alameda County Community Food Bank, and donations from local businesses.  Due to the variety of sources we cannot guarantee specific items, however we try to provide healthy choices.

If you are in need of emergency food, please visit during our normal food pantry hours or call or text (510) 435-1270.

Raising a family in the Bay area is an expensive endeavor.  In addition to the high cost of rent, food, and transportation, one must provide diapers, baby formula, school supplies, and materials for extra- curricular activities.  Fortunately the Telegraph Ministry Center has a resource to help with some of these challenges for our clients.  The clothing room provides new and gently used shirts, pants, coats, shoes for not only children, but people of all ages.  For parents with infants, we have diapers available as well as formula and other baby provisions.

All of the items clients receive from the Telegraph Ministry Center are provided free of charge.  We rely on the generosity of those who support our ministry to provide these resources.  If you are interested in donating clothes, diapers, or small household items, please let us know.  Click here for more information about donations.

Mornings at Telegraph Ministry Center have never been brighter. Not only are hardworking volunteers carrying out the mission of delivering food to low income and homeless twice weekly; but the community edible garden is in full swing, as well as a five day a week breakfast program.

Manna From Heaven, the most recent addition to a suite of community enrichment programs offered at the center, features warm breads, hot cereal, coffee, and fresh fruit.   Joycelyn Golden, center director, says that since 2010 it’s been a dream of hers to invite the homeless community in from the cold to wash up and have a hot meal to get their day started in a proper way, with dignity. The breakfast program serves over 30 men and women each morning and has an open door to all. “Historically we have served more than just the homeless, we have served senior citizens who live in the community and even students who are struggling. You’d be surprised how many people benefit from a hot breakfast in the morning,” Ms. Golden reports.

The environment in the kitchen and dining room certainly backup Ms. Golden’s remarks.  There is upbeat Jazz playing and a friendly bustle emerging from the kitchen where volunteers work side by side to keep the food hot and available until everyone is served. Joycelyn, along with volunteers Omawale, Joyce and Beverly, work hard to make sure everyone feels at home, like family.

One of the breakfast recipients explains: “I have only started attending this program due to the fact that I recently lost my job. This program is helping me slowly but surely rise back up. The people working here are very giving and selfless, as well as very kind. I feel that I have made a few new friends here and look forward to coming here in the morning. There is a sense of community.”

Manna From Heaven prepares and serves its breakfast program every Wednesday through Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 AM.

Organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs are grown on site through the efforts of dedicated volunteers and the Victory Garden Foundation.  Community residents work together in an open garden setting where we all share the labor and the harvest.  Contact us to learn more and find out how you can participate.

The Realm Church meets every Sunday at 10:00 AM at the Telegraph Community Ministry Center. You can also celebrate with us online via our livestream here. Email us at: mcross@therealmchurch.com for more details.

For many years the Eritrean Church of the Living God has met at the Telegraph Community Ministry Center bringing the hope of Jesus Christ in the native language of many in our community.  They meet Sundays at 4:00 PM at 5316 Telegraph Avenue.  For more information see Eritrea Church of the Living God.