By Magaly Muñoz

In 2023, the average spending on groceries increased by nearly $30 each month from the year before;people are spending over $500 a month to put food on the table.

Through previous reporting by the Post, we’ve learned that families in Oakland are depending more and more on free or low cost groceries from food banks because they can no longer afford the rising costs of food at the store.

Food banks and grocery giveaways are a large part of the resources nonprofits in Oakland prioritize, particularly in areas like East and West Oakland where low-income families of color tend to reside. These neighborhoods are often labeled as “food deserts” or communities that have limited access to affordable and nutritious foods.

We’ve recently spoken to families across these two areas of Oakland and have heard several stories that all point to one problem: food is expensive. Some individuals are spending upwards of $150 a week for themselves or double if they have teens or small children in the family.

We’ve also heard stories of people with chronic illnesses like diabetes and high blood pressure struggling to maintain their diets because they’re having a hard time affording the food that helps them stay healthy.

Do these experiences sound similar to what you or your family are dealing with every month? Are you struggling to afford your basic groceries every week? Do you depend on food banks to help you get by? Are there any chronic illnesses in your household that need to be managed by a special diet?

We want to hear about your experiences and ideas for solutions!

The Oakland Post is investigating food access in Oakland and how residents are surviving as the cost of living continues to increase. Your experiences will help shape our reporting and show local leaders the need to invest in our communities.

In order to get as much feedback as possible, we ask that you click this link to fill out a brief questionnaire or visit tinyurl.com/Oakland-Post-food-survey. You can also scan the QR code above to reach the survey. After you fill it out, please consider sharing the link with your friends and family in Oakland.

If you have questions, please reach out to our Oakland reporter Magaly Muñoz at mmunoz@postnewsgroup or text/call her at (510) 905-5286.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

By Carla Thomas

On Dec. 22, at the corner of 18th and Foothill in Oakland, San Antonio Park was transformed into a winter wonderland, courtesy of the non-profit Oakland Trybe.

The festiveness of the holiday was in full effect with children reaching for snow flurries as an artificial snow machine sprayed snowflakes from the park’s hillside. Nearby, about a dozen kids jumping up and down in an extra-large bounce house added more cheer to the atmosphere.

Gospel music filled the air. Children built gingerbread houses and designed homemade tree ornaments at the crafts table while others lined up for Christmas gifts and photos with Santa Claus.

A Black Santa Claus portrayed by Oakland Trybe staffer,”  Isaiah Jackson, was seated beside the Christmas tree filled with personalized ornaments as children received gifts. “It’s fun to interact with the community and provide activities and a space for the kids to let loose in a safe environment,” said Jackson who serves as Oakland Trybe’s Operations Outreach Specialist.

According to the Oakland Trybe Clinton Park Site Director, Chien Nguyen, Oakland Trybe serves the community every Sunday afternoon. “Today has extra fanfare because it’s Christmas and the end of the year, but we feed and build community here every week throughout the year,” said Nguyen.

Below, at the food court that Ngyuen says was built by staff, volunteers, and organization interns, kids played soccer on the two newly resurfaced playgrounds.

Parents lined up with their little ones for a plate of smoked chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and salad. Ladies serving the food wore festive Christmas aprons bearing a customized spin on the Heinz catsup logo: “Catch Up With Jesus. Lettuce Praise and Relish Him, Cuz He Loves Me From My Head To ma toes.”

“It’s nice to serve and see everyone so happy,” said Mei Fu,” who is also an Oakland Trybe Operations and Outreach Specialist.

“Oakland Trybe is the largest distributor of food in Oakland from the Alameda County Food Bank,” said Nguyen. “Today, we served about 500 meals.”

Executive Director of Oakland Trybe Andrew Park, who is a pastor, said, in addition to providing food and entertainment, he and a small group were praying for guests who were ill. “We are community-based and welcome all, but we also know the power of prayer,” said Park. “By meeting the community’s needs and bringing them together, we can combat hate and racism at its core.”

With a rise in racism and hate in the world, Oakland Trybe considers its mission as a community builder combatting racism and other forms of hate by fostering programming that meets the needs of the community.

“Our organization was built with the need to support the community and bring people together,” said Park. “Together, with common goals, we can ensure people get to know one another and that breaks down cultural and racial barriers.”

According to Nguyen, Park does not pastor at a church. However, through his faith, he serves the larger community. “This is his church, and I appreciate him as a mentor,” said Ngyuen who is Buddhist. “This is how you reach the community, build community, and heal.”

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Advertorial

Launched in 2018, the Medically Tailored Meals pilot program was designed to help Medi-Cal patients with congestive heart failure by reducing hospital readmissions and emergency department visits by providing tailored meals meeting specific dietary needs.

• Address Food Insecurity: Mitigates poor health outcomes linked to food insecurity.

• Support Complex Care Needs: Tailored to individuals with chronic conditions.

• Improve Health Outcomes: Studies show improvements in diabetes control, fall prevention, and medication adherence.

Patient Testimonial:

“My diabetes has gotten better with the meals. I’ve kept my weight down, and I feel much better now than I have in a long time. I’m one of the people this program is meant for.” — Brett

Eligibility:

• Eligible Populations: Eligible Medi-Cal members include those with chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, congestive heart failure, stroke, chronic lung disorders, HIV, cancer, gestational diabetes, and chronic mental or behavioral health disorders. Also, those being discharged from a hospital or skilled nursing facility or at high risk of hospitalization or nursing facility placement are also eligible.

• Service Limitations: Up to two meals per day for up to 12 weeks, extendable if medically necessary. Meals eligible for reimbursement by alternate programs are not covered.

Cost Savings and Improved Health Outcomes:

• Health Outcomes: Research indicates a 22% to 58% decrease in emergency department visits and a 27% to 63% decrease in inpatient admissions among Medically Tailored Meals recipients, translating to significant health care cost savings.

Project Open Hand: A Success Story

Project Open Hand has been a leader in providing Medically Tailored Meals, significantly impacting the lives of Bay Area Medi-Cal patients with chronic illnesses. Since its inception, Project Open Hand has delivered nutritious meals to individuals with diabetes, HIV, and other serious health conditions, demonstrating remarkable health improvements and cost savings.

Key Achievements:

• Improved Health Outcomes: Project Open Hand’s research found a 50% increase in medication adherence among recipients of Medically Tailored Meals.

• Reduced Hospitalizations: Their program showed a 63% reduction in hospitalizations for patients with diabetes and HIV.

• Enhanced Quality of Life: Patients reported better health and increased energy levels.

Project Open Hand ensures that each meal is prepared using fresh, wholesome ingredients tailored to meet the specific dietary needs of its clients. By partnering with Medi-Cal managed care plans, Project Open Hand continues to provide life-saving nutrition to those who need it most.

Join Us in Our Mission

You can experience the profound impact of Medically Tailored Meals by joining the Medi-Cal Community Supports services initiative. Your involvement can make a difference in promoting your health through nutrition.

Learn More

For more information about Medically Tailored Meals and how to get involved, call the state’s Medi-Cal Health Care options at 800-430-4263 or contact your local managed care plan.

In Alameda County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:

*   Alameda Alliance for Health: 510-747-4567

*   Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

In Contra Costa County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
*   Contra Costa Health Plan: 877-661-6230

*   Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

In Marin County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
*   Partnership Health Plan of California: 800-863-4155

*   Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613

In Solano County, Medi-Cal recipients can contact:
*   Partnership Health Plan of California: 800-863-4155

*   Kaiser Permanente: 855-839-7613
Your health and well-being are your health care provider’s top priority. Medically Tailored Meals are designed to enhance quality of life by advancing health care through the power of nutrition. Experience the benefits today, and take the first step toward a healthier you.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post