BFP+BFN FAQs

Berkeley Food Pantry and Berkeley Food Network are entering a partnership.

Berkeley Food Pantry (BFP) is a ministry of Berkeley Friends Church (BFC). BFC and Berkeley Food Network (BFN) are two organizations with extensive historical ties and a commitment to support the community with food assistance. Both organizations experienced tremendous increased demand for services during the pandemic and the following years, stretching organizational capacity. BFC approached BFN in July 2024 to explore what a deeper partnership could look like, including merging BFC’s BFP with BFN. More recently, cuts to federal food aid and social safety net programs means our community will be facing more challenging times again. Coming together helps build a stronger, more sustainable effort to support the community going forward.

Is this a merger? Is BFN taking over?

Berkeley Food Network and Berkeley Friends Church are joining into a partnership. However, the operations and management of the Berkeley Food Pantry will be handled by Berkeley Food Network effective January 1, 2026.

What’s the timeline?

Effective July 1, 2025, we entered a six-month transition period. Between July 1 and December 31, operations at the Pantry will not be changing. Programming, operations, and volunteer opportunities will continue as-is through the end of the year. Berkeley Food Network staff will learn about the programs and operations at the Berkeley Food Pantry.

What about after December?

Berkeley Food Network will manage the operations of the Pantry. Berkeley Food Network runs a robust suite of programs - food recovery pick-ups, home delivery, pantries, and many other activities. Some of BFP’s programs will change to align with Berkeley Food Network’s operations and model.

Will BFP volunteers have any say in this?

BFN will be coming to the Pantry on Wednesday July 30th at 5:00 pm to meet with volunteers. They will be joined by the Pantry Oversight Committee and will answer any questions you may have. BFN is deeply committed to providing opportunities for staff and volunteers to share their perspective on what works, what doesn’t work, and what can be done to make this new partnership strong and supportive for all.

What about current BFP employees?

BFN is meeting with BFP employees to understand their roles and responsibilities, and how they support different aspects of the programming at the Pantry. All BFP employees will

continue to be employed through the end of December 2025 by Berkeley Food Pantry. BFN is creating multiple job opportunities for integrating these two programs and encouraging BFP staff to apply, if they choose.

What about current BFP volunteers?

BFP has many dedicated, long-term volunteers, who we hope will continue to support both organizations’ mission to get food to people who need it. Your volunteer experience at BFP will not change and your input will be extremely valuable in helping this process. Berkeley Food Network uses a software called Bloomerang to onboard, schedule, and train volunteers for the various opportunities at its warehouse and mobile pantry sites. For those interested, you can sign up to volunteer at BFN whenever you are ready! All volunteers will be able to join this software and participate in volunteer opportunities at BFP and other BFN programming.

What about BFP donors?

BFP donors have been notified and informed about this transition through a newsletter sent on July 15th by the Transition Team. There will be additional communications about the future of this partnership to donors in the coming months as fundraising campaigns are planned. BFN looks forward to meeting with and learning about each of these donors.

When will our clients be told?

Additional communications will be prepared and our community members will be welcome to visit the Berkeley Food Network and Berkeley Food Pantry. This change in management will not impact community members’ ability to visit pantries.

What happens to Berkeley Food Network staff?

Berkeley Food Network staff are extremely qualified and trained in everything from volunteer management, outreach,and program coordination, to inventory, and food recovery. BFN staff will lend their expertise to help support this transition.

What happens to Berkeley Food Network volunteers?

BFN volunteers will not notice any changes, other than new opportunities to volunteer and a chance to meet and work with over 100 new volunteers that are looking forward to meeting them.

Why is Berkeley Food Pantry partnering with Berkeley Food Network?

Berkeley Food Pantry is already partnering with Berkeley Food Network today. Berkeley Food Pantry obtains a large amount of its food from Berkeley Food Network. We share the same mission of providing food to our neighbors who need it. Times are difficult and look to become more so, while demand is expected to rise. Partnering allows us to meet the needs of our community more cohesively and efficiently. Besides running pantries, both organizations coordinate food recovery and home deliveries. We are banding together with a goal of extending Berkeley Food Pantry’s long legacy, with the help of its loyal volunteers and donors.

What if I have more questions?

Please bring your questions to the July 30th meeting at 5:00pm at Berkeley Friends Church. It is important to note that not all questions may be able to be answered.