Over the next few weeks, you'll start to see the familiar red bins pop up at local supermarkets and banks - encouraging you to bring in non-perishables from home or simply buy a little extra while you're at the store for the many Oakland residents who are struggling to put good food on the table.

But did you know that there are actually several other innovative ways that you can help our local food bank?

You can visit the Alameda County Food Bank and lend a helping hand in person. And even though no food is handed out at their Oakland Airport location, there is a regular need for weekday volunteers to help sort, screen, box and shelve food items, including fresh produce.

Oakland has many neighborhoods where social action has improved food access, in West Oakland in particular. But many people continue to live in areas that qualify as food deserts, where there are no outlets to purchase healthy food within walking distance.