Lake Lunches is a food ministry of Lake Merritt United Methodist Church. Serving 100 lunches twice a week to the hungry and unsheltered no questions asked in the areas surrounding Lake Merritt. We also provide a selection of toiletries. Volunteers are needed to assist in preparing & packing lunches and walking the lake area near by to distribute the meals. The lunches and toiletries are delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays using three wagons pulled by volunteers. Our delivery route takes about an hour and is approximately 1.5 miles roundtrip. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. An experienced volunteer will guide you.

We are take extra precautions in light of the COVID-19 spread and are proceeding with services to the unsheltered who rely on these meals twice a week. We have consolidated our meal prep time to Mondays and have set up our stations to incorporate the recommended physically distancing.

Mondays weekly - 2-4 pm: Lunch preparation, 8 volunteers needed

Tuesdays and Thursdays weekly - 11:30 am-1:30 pm: Lake Walk Lunch distribution, 3 volunteers needed

Special needs include baking cookies, preparing granola, cooking meats for sandwiches. Food resources are generously sourced through donations and through our partnership with Alameda County Community Food Bank.

We also distribute hygiene items and are always seeking donations for this purpose. To learn more, email liftconcertoakland@gmail.com.

Check out our other programs at https://www.lakemerrittumc.org/food-programs/

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LIFT 2020, our annual benefit concert, supporting this and other Food Programs operated by Lake Merritt UMC was postponed due to the shelter in place. This concert features and intergenerational collection of musical acts. We're sad to have missed this opportunity to be in community. But we hope you will extend your support by sharing the GoFundMe Campaign throughout your network!