Chinese Newcomers Service Center (CNSC) began the food distribution program in the 1980’s. In 1996, Mr. Eddie Tsang, the Chao Suet Foundation and the Poon Foundation initiated a consistent food distribution project " CNSC Community Food Drive" to provide underserved families, such as seniors, low-income, and individuals with disability with free food bags during holidays, such as Thanksgiving and the Chinese Lunar New Year. We’ve also expanded " CNSC Community Food Drive", to new immigrants in Visitacion Valley. CNSC distributed 400 10-lb Rice Bags to the residents in Visitacion Valley before Christmas of 2001 at the Asian Pacific American Community Center (APACC).

Beginning in 2002, Mr. Tsang continued to sponsor "CNSC Community Food Drive" by distributing 10-lb rice bags to 1,500 beneficiaries. In 2002, a total of 4,500 free Food/Rice Bags were distributed to other needy families.

Members of the Oriental Food Association contributed more than 5,000 food items, including noodles, candies, cookies, chips, and sauces, soup, corn and many more… to our Thanksgiving Food Distribution each year. To make these events possible, CNSC needs the support of other Community Based Organizations (CBO) and other volunteers to coordinate the events. In order to benefit a wider and broader range of clients, food coupons are sent to the participating CBO’s for distribution amongst their own clients. The Participating CBO’s include Asian Pacific American Community Center, Asian Pacific Advocates, Asian Women Resource Center, Charity Cultural Center, Kai Ming Headstart, Cameron House, Chinese for Affirmative Action, DA Victim & Witness Program, Independence Living Resource Center, Maintrain, Self-Help for the Elderly, Wu Yee Referral Center, True Sunshine Preschool, and Dr. Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall, SF etc. Some new partners have joined this event are Chinese Community Children Center, Community Youth Center, Visitacion Valley Community Center, and the 6 Chinese schools, namely Central Chinese High School, Hip Wo School, Camburland School, Nam Kue School, St. Mary Chinese Language School, and Tai Kong Lin Chinese School.

Food companies that contribute to " CNSC Community Food Drive" include Oriental Food Association, Arts Trading Co., H&E Chinese Noodle Co., American Tai Wah Trading Corp, C&J Whole Sale Co., Khong Guan Corporation, Kikkoman International, Lian Hwa Foods (USA) Inc., Linchen Inc., New Asia Trading Co. Inc., Queesway Foods Co. Inc., Tak Yuen Corporation, Union International Food Co., and U.S. Trading. " CNSC Community Food Drive" assists underserved Asian families through challenging times and promotes the spirit of generosity and compassion in everyone.