Good food is a right, not a privilege.
Dominican Catering · Bay Area
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We cook, deliver, and share free meals with neighbors across Oakland and the Bay Area — because good food is something everyone deserves.
Communityfree meals served
Impact by the Numbers
Real Impact, Real People
Every number below is a person who sat down to a hot meal, a young person who learned to cook, or a neighbor who didn't eat alone.
Every week we cook and deliver free meals to neighbors across Oakland and the Bay Area.
La Bandera Cares is an active, ongoing commitment — not a one-time event.
Local nonprofits, schools, and senior centers working alongside us.
Our Programs
Four Ways We Give Back
Each program targets a specific gap in our community. Together, they form a year-round commitment to nourishment and dignity.
No One Eats Alone
Every eventfree plates available
No sign-upjust show up
At every pop-up event, we set aside free plates for community members who need them — no questions asked, no sign-up required. Just show up. Food is how we say: you belong here.
Delivered with Dignity
Weekly hot meals delivered to homebound seniors across East Oakland and Fruitvale. Partnered with local senior centers to identify and serve those most isolated.
Weeklyhot meals delivered to homebound seniors
Teaching the Next Generation
Monthly cooking workshops for youth ages 14–22. Dominican techniques, food safety, and kitchen professionalism.
240youth trained since 2021
Sit Down Together
Quarterly community dinners — free, open-door events designed to bring neighbors together over a shared plate.
12dinners hosted per year
Community Partners
Who We Work With
East Oakland Community Center
Fruitvale Senior Services
Oakland Unified School District
Marin City Community Foundation
Bay Area Food Bank
La Clínica de La Raza
Get Involved
Three Ways to Help
Whether you have time, resources, or connections — there's a way for you to be part of La Bandera Cares.
Volunteer
Give Your Time
We need hands at events, drivers for senior delivery, and kitchen assistants for youth workshops. No experience necessary — just a willingness to show up.
Event Volunteer
Meal Delivery Driver
Kitchen Assistant
Partner
Bring Your Organization
We partner with nonprofits, schools, faith communities, and businesses to extend our reach. If you serve the same communities we do, let's talk.
Co-host community dinners
Refer seniors for meal delivery
Host youth culinary workshops
Sponsor free plates at events
Community Meal Sponsorship
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$10Sponsor 1 plate
$25Sponsor 2 plates
$50Sponsor 5 plates
$100Sponsor 10 plates
La Bandera Kitchen is not currently a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Sponsorships support community meal efforts and are not tax-deductible charitable donations.
La Bandera Cares
The Table Is Always Open
Whether you're coming to eat, coming to help, or coming to partner — you're welcome at La Bandera's table. That's not a slogan. It's how we operate.