Each March, National Nutrition Month® reminds us that healthy choices shape healthy lives. Here in Alameda County and across the East Bay, it is also a moment to confront a difficult truth: For many of our neighbors, nutritious food is not simply a choice, it is a challenge.
Despite the region’s vibrancy and innovation, food insecurity continues to affect families across Oakland, Berkeley, Hayward, Fremont, and surrounding communities. High housing costs and economic pressures force many families to stretch already tight budgets, often sacrificing fresh, healthy food first. At the same time, Alameda County faces high rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. These are illnesses that are directly connected to diet and nutrition and can lead to costly emergency care if not managed.
National Nutrition Month® is about more than encouraging balanced meals. It is about recognizing that nutrition is foundational to health.
That belief drives Anthem Blue Cross Foundation’s commitment to advance Food as Medicine initiatives that integrate nutrition into clinical care and address social drivers of health. In 2025, the Foundation invested $1.2 million statewide to expand programs that connect nutritious food with disease prevention and chronic condition management, helping reduce long-term health care costs.
Here in the East Bay, our partnership with Project Open Hand has demonstrated the power of this approach.
With Anthem’s support, Project Open Hand provided thousands of individuals in Alameda County with medically tailored meals, fresh groceries, and nutrition education. These services are designed not only to meet medical needs, but also to reflect the diverse cultural preferences and lived experiences of East Bay communities.
The results were significant—83% of participants maintained or improved their general health and 78% improved medication adherence. Across local partner programs, participants reported improvements in overall clinical health. This is clear evidence that when nutritious food is connected to care, outcomes improve.
This is especially meaningful during National Nutrition Month®. It reinforces that healthy eating is not simply about personal responsibility; it is about access, equity, and support. When individuals have reliable access to healthy food and personalized nutrition guidance, they can manage chronic illness, reduce complications, and avoid preventable, often costly, hospital visits.
The East Bay has long been a leader in community-driven innovation. Now we have an opportunity to lead in redefining healthcare by elevating nutrition as a core part of care delivery.
As we recognize National Nutrition Month®, let us commit to ensuring that every family throughout Alameda County has access to the nourishment they need to thrive. When we treat food as medicine, we strengthen not only individual health, but the health of our entire community.
Dr. David Pryor, Chief Medical Officer, Anthem Blue Cross
Editorials and Letters to the Editor
All opinions expressed on this page are the author's alone and do not reflect those of the Alameda Post, nor does our organization endorse any views the author may present. Our objective as an independent news source is to fully reflect our community's varied opinions without giving preference to a particular viewpoint.
If you disagree with an opinion that we have published, please submit a rebuttal or differing opinion in a letter to the Editor for publication. Review our policies page for more information.
