Mercy Brown Bag Program
The Mercy Brown Bag Program, sponsored by the Mercy Retirement and Care Center, distributes a grocery bag of nutritional food to low-income seniors twice a month. Bags consist of ten to fifteen items like: bread, pasta, fresh produce, assorted canned foods, and other items depending on availability.
ANNUAL BROWN BAG PROGRAM REGISTRATION 
Annual registration is required for both NEW and EXISITING program participants. Both the South and North Berkeley Senior Centers will accept and process program applications. Participants must apply in person and meet the eligibility requirements described below.
Eligibility Requirements
- Seniors 60 years old or older
- Must be a resident of Alameda County
- Must have a monthly income of:
Under $1507 for one (1) person
Under $2030 for two (2) people
Under $2552 for three (3) or more.
- Only one membership per household
- Volunteers are invited to help regardless of income and usually receive a bag
How to Register
Contact the Henry Ramsey Jr. South Berkeley Senior Center or the North Berkeley Senior Center. If there are openings, you will need to provide:
- A driver's license or state ID card with your birth date and current address
- All sources of income for all household members: SSI, Social Security, Pension, etc.
Registration must be completed before brown bags are issued.
Cost
A voluntary contribution of $10 per year is requested. Anyone unable to contribute will not be turned away.
When & Where are the bags distributed?
First & Third Fridays (of each month)
All bags must be picked up by 2:00 PM at your senior center:
Henry Ramsey Jr. South Berkeley Senior Center
2939 Ellis Street (at Ashby Ave.)
Berkeley, CA 94703
(510) 981-5170
PICK UP TIME: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
North Berkeley Senior Center
1900 Sixth Street (at Hearst Avenue)
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 981-5190
PICK UP TIME: 12:00 - 2:00 pm
If you're interested in volunteering or are in need of program information, please call your senior center.