Alameda County Social Services swiftly defined the Feeding Ministry at Oakland’s First African Methodist Episcopal Church as an “essential service,” but they could only provide  “takeout meals.”

On April 23, the San Francisco Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund awarded FAME Feeding Ministry a grant of $5,000, which aided seven families, including four adults and 11 children, who were added to the 60-65 persons who picked up a takeout meals

On May 27, the FAME Feeding Ministry received another grant of $10,000 from San Francisco Foundation, which helped support four more families including 13 children, as well as three seniors, two of whom are disabled.

Thanks to the generous funding provided by San Francisco Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Respond Fund, the First AME Feeding Ministry prepared and made available 1,157 meals during the month of May.

The First AME Feeding program, with the support of the San Francisco Foundation, continues to welcome all who are food challenged.

The senior pastor of the First AME Church at 3701 Telegraph Avenue in Oakland is Rev. Dr. Harold R. Mayberry.