Food as Medicine: Nutrition as a prescription.

Are you a Medi-Cal member, looking for more information about our grocery deliveries and nutrition and cooking education program?

Medically supportive groceries delivered right to your door

If you’re a Medi-Cal member with a diet-sensitive condition, living in Contra Costa, San Francisco, or Merced County, you may be eligible to receive grocery deliveries at no cost to you. 18 Reasons offers biweekly grocery boxes paired with our online nutrition and cooking classes for eligible members. 

What’s included in the program:

  • A box of groceries delivered right to your door, every other week.
    • Groceries vary and will come with suggested recipes to help you make the most of your delivery!
  • Access to our interactive, virtual cooking and nutrition classes.
    • Our chef instructors will demo how to prepare the ingredients and recipes included in your delivery. We will also discuss nutrition topics such as reading nutrition labels, food groups, portions, and more! These classes are designed to help you navigate the grocery store and kitchen in a way that supports your health.

Am I eligible? 

To be eligible for this program, you must have Medi-Cal coverage through select managed care plans (health insurance providers), a diet-sensitive chronic condition, and live in either Contra Costa, San Francisco, or Merced County. See below for more details!

Eligible Medi-Cal Health Plans:

  • Contra Costa County - Contra Costa Health Plan (CCHP)
  • Merced County - Central California Alliance for Health (CCAH)
  • San Francisco County - Anthem*

Examples of eligible chronic conditions:

Cancer(s), cardiovascular disorders, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung disorders or other pulmonary conditions such as asthma/COPD, heart failure, diabetes or other metabolic conditions, elevated lead levels, end-stage renal disease, high cholesterol, human immunodeficiency virus, hypertension, liver disease, dyslipidemia, fatty liver, malnutrition, obesity, stroke, gastrointestinal disorders, gestational diabetes, high risk perinatal conditions, and chronic or disabling mental/behavioral health disorders.

*San Francisco County Anthem eligible conditions include people who are pregnant with high-risk perinatal conditions, gestational diabetes, metabolic conditions, and postpartum within one year.

**Please note that this list does not contain ALL eligible diagnoses - if you’re not sure you’re eligible, reach out to us!

How can I enroll?

Fill in our interest form, based on your health plan:

18 Reasons will review your eligibility and place a referral with the health plan on your behalf. The health plan will then review your eligibility and either approve or deny the referral. Once approved, you’ll start receiving groceries and attending virtual classes, usually within 2 - 4 weeks.

Have questions? Get in touch! Call us at (415) 568-2713 or send an email to foodasmedicine@18reasons.org