Refilling the Bay Area’s Pantries

As families throughout the Bay Area struggle to make ends meet in the current, harsh economic climate, service organizations that help fulfill the most basic needs, such as local food pantries, are feeling the strain...
Read More ›

Did you know? 60% of the households who receive weekly groceries through the San Francisco Food Bank include at least one working adult.

Banking on the Future

United Way Chief Community Investment Officer Carole Watson surrounded by partners and supporters at the Bank on Oakland launch.

More than 30,000 Oakland families—98% of whom have some sort of income—do not have a bank account. These families, who are also primarily low-income, are forced to pay hefty check-cashing
and other fees simply to use their own money to pay bills.

This April, United Way partnered with the City of Oakland to launch “Bank on Oakland,” a program that helps low-income consumers access financial products and services. United Way coordinates the Bank on Oakland program, organizing marketing and fundraising efforts, and tracking outcomes.

Having a bank account can save low-income households $40,000 over a career. If invested rather than spent at check cashing stores, that $40,000 translates into $360,000... Read More ›