Food is more than just nourishment—it’s a way to feel connected. Our work in nutrition reinforces the idea that food connects us to our health, our community, and each other.
In 2024, Project Open Hand became the first Bay Area medically tailored meal nonprofit to be accredited by the Food is Medicine Coalition. This accreditation shows that our service meets high standards, and signals to the community, policy makers, healthcare partners, and most importantly, our clients, a level of service that can be trusted. Our team of Registered Dietitians (RDs) work one on one with clients to help them choose meals and groceries that best meet their individual needs.
Today, we’ll review Project Open Hand’s Wellness Program, the people we serve, and how we connect with them.
Wellness Program Overview
For clients and caregivers who have kitchen space and the ability to prepare meals, Project Open Hand offers groceries and frozen meals that can be picked up in-person at our San Francisco and East Bay grocery centers, mobile van locations, or delivered to their doorstep. In fiscal year 2024, our Wellness Program served over 3,800 clients throughout San Francisco and the Bay Area and over 715,000 meals.
Groceries
Project Open Hand’s Wellness Program serves clients in two primary ways – through groceries and medically tailored meals. We offer whole grains, beans, protein dense foods, and dairy products, and a variety of fresh produce to choose from.
Our groceries are plant-based, environmentally friendly, and meet nutritional needs for chronic diseases such as (but not limited to) HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, end stage renal disease, and cancer. We also offer canned and easy-to-prepare items for clients with limited kitchen space and/or equipment.
Medically Tailored Meals (MTMs)
Studies show that MTMs can reduce hospitalizations by up to 50% and emergency visits by 70% (Meal Delivery Programs Reduce The Costly Health Care in Dually Eligible Medicare and Medicaid Beneficiaries, 2018).
Medically tailored meals are designed by registered dietitians to support overall health by following dietary guidelines that promote balanced nutrition. These meals are:
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Low in sodium
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High in fiber
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High in protein
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Carbohydrate consistent
Each meal is free from artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and ultra-processed ingredients, and are prepared using nutrient-preserving methods like baking, braising, and sautéing.
Each MTM we produce includes a handy nutrition facts label, so that our clients will always know what's inside—calories, macronutrients, allergens, and more.
Client Support
Our registered dietitians are available to support clients on how to best utilize our grocery items to create balanced meals. Together with our nutrition assistants, they work to develop recipes that clients can use as everyday meals. (These recipes can be found on our Client Website in the client resource tab.) In addition, Nutrition Bites, Project Open Hand’s bi-weekly emails which highlight staple grocery items, provide nutrition information and various recipe ideas to inspire our client’s next meal.
All of our Wellness Program clients have access to our RDs through nutrition counseling, classes, and regular communication.
It’s healthy eating made easy for those who may not always be able to prioritize themselves. Replacing just one meal a day with an MTM can have a significant impact on someone’s health.
Project Open Hand’s RDs take pride in supporting our clients on their journey to feeling their best. Whether a client has questions about our menus, ingredients, or just need some guidance on how to meet their health and wellness goals, our team is here to help!
Food brings us together, and so does the support we offer each other.
Since 1985, Project Open Hand has provided meals with love neighbors and older adults living with critical and chronic health conditions. Every day, we prepare more than 2,500 nutritious meals and provide 200 bags of healthy groceries to help sustain our clients as they battle serious illnesses, isolation, or the health challenges of aging.