Food as Medicine: Nutrition as a prescription.

Are you a Medi-Cal member?

You may qualify for free grocery deliveries paired with cooking and nutrition education.

Medically Supportive Groceries, Delivered to Your Door

If you’re a Medi-Cal member with a diet-sensitive condition and live in Contra Costa, San Francisco, or Merced County, you may be eligible for this no-cost program.

Every two weeks, you’ll receive a grocery box filled with fresh, diet-sensitive ingredients. Each box is paired with interactive nutrition and cooking classes designed to help you make the most of your groceries.

Keep reading below to see if you are eligible to enroll.

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 participate in Food as Medicine, you must:

  • Have Medi-Cal coverage through select managed care health plans
  • Have a diet-sensitive chronic condition
  • Live in Contra Costa, San Francisco, or Merced County

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 (asthma, COPD)
  • Diabetes or other metabolic conditions
  • Heart failure
  • Elevated lead levels
  • End-stage renal disease
  • High cholesterol / dyslipidemia
  • Hypertension
  • Liver disease / fatty liver
  • Malnutrition
  • Obesity
  • Stroke
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Gestational diabetes
  • High-risk perinatal conditions
  • Chronic or disabling mental/behavioral health disorders

Note: This list is not exhaustive. If you’re unsure about eligibility, please contact us.

Special Notes for San Francisco County (Anthem Blue Cross)

Currently, eligibility is limited to individuals who are:

  • Pregnant with high-risk perinatal conditions
  • Diagnosed with gestational diabetes
  • Diagnosed with metabolic conditions
  • Postpartum (within one year)

How to Enroll?

  1. Fill out the interest form for your health plan (Please note: At this time, only Anthem patients meeting the conditions above are eligible.):

    Contra Costa Health Plan Interest Form
    Merced – Central California Alliance for Health Interest Form
    San Francisco – Anthem Blue Cross Interest Form

  2. 18 Reasons will review your eligibility and submit a referral to your health plan.
  3. Your health plan will confirm eligibility and notify you if you’re approved.
  4. Once approved, you’ll begin receiving groceries and attending virtual classes, typically within 2–4 weeks.

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