Great Plates Delivered - City of Oakland

Feeding Oakland’s seniors. Helping local business.

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Email
510-238-3663
Date Posted: May 18th, 2020 @ 12:01 PM
Last Updated: April 5th, 2021 @ 3:43 PM

This program has been extended to run at least through May 7, 2021.

The City of Oakland is joining California’s groundbreaking meal delivery service to support Oakland’s seniors and local food businesses during the COVID-19 public health crisis. The Great Plates Delivered Program is a partnership between FEMA, the State of California, the City of Oakland, Off the Grid, and non-profit World Central Kitchen. The City is currently identifying restaurants that can assist in this initiative. All participating seniors must be residents of the City of Oakland.

Great Plates Delivered aims to:

  • Assist seniors and other adults in Oakland at high risk from COVID-19 to stay home, stay healthy, and stay nourished by delivering three meals a day, and
  • Provide essential economic opportunities to local businesses struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 crisis.

For Seniors

Seniors - Apply Now

  • The Great Plates Program will provide meals to adults 65 and older and adults 60-64 at high-risk, as defined by the CDC and who are unable to access meals while staying at home and are ineligible for other nutrition programs.
  • If approved, applicants will receive two (2) lunches and (2) dinners on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for a total of 12 meals per week. Each qualifying applicant will need to submit their own application, up to two per household. Once your submitted application has been reviewed, you will be contacted for further follow up. If you have questions, please email greatplates@oaklandca.gov or call 510-238-FOOD (3663).

For Restaurants

Restaurants - Apply to Join Program

The Great Plates Delivered Program is a partnership between FEMA, the State of California, the City of Oakland, and non-profit World Central Kitchen. The City’s goal is to work with multiple providers in order to serve as many Oakland seniors as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply to receive meals?

You may qualify if you are...

  • 65 or older, or
  • Age 60-64 and at high-risk by the CDC
  • 60 years or older and tested positive for COVID-19 and does not require hospitalization but needs isolation or quarantine
  • 60 years or older and was exposed to COVID-19 and does not require hospitalization but needs isolation or quarantine
  • Live alone or with one other program-eligible adult
  • Are not currently receiving assistance from other state or federal nutrition assistance programs like CalFresh/Snap or Meals on Wheels
  • Earn less than $74,940 (single) or $101,460 (2-person)
  • Live in the City of Oakland

Do you verify my income or that I can’t obtain or prepare my own meals?

We will ask about your income and ability to obtain and prepare meals during the screening process. You will self-attest to these questions. We will not ask for your proof of income.

I have special dietary needs. Is Great Plates Delivered able to meet these needs?

On the form to sign up for the program you can indicate if you need any special dietary considerations. We may not be able to accommodate all dietary preferences. We are taking into account the dietary needs for health, religions, and personal reasons in the selection process for the restaurants participating in the program.

What does it cost to participate?

There is no cost to eligible participants .

How long will the program be available?

Currently the program has been extended to run through May 7, 2021.

How many seniors will receive assistance?

The City aims to assist all qualified seniors in Oakland through Great Plates Delivered.

How many meals per day will be available to me?

A maximum of four meals per day (two (2) lunches and two (2) dinners) per participant are provided three times per week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday OR Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, for a total of 12 meals per week. We aim to cover lunch and dinner needs for six days.

Can I choose my restaurant?

Unfortunately, no. Restaurants are assigned based on delivery capacity, dietary needs, among many other factors.

What safety precautions are being taken?

Business and individuals providing delivery of meals will complete a background check to ensure safety of participants. All restaurants have passed Alameda County health inspections, and restaurant owners and managers will closely monitoring the symptoms of their staff.

I don’t live in Oakland, can I still get meals?

You will not be able to participate in Oakland’s Great Plates Delivery program, but there may be other options for you.

Great Plates programs in the SF Bay Area contact information:

  • Alameda County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Care & Shelter: call 925-803-7943 or email ACGreatPlates@acgov.org
  • Contra Costa County (Helpline): call 800-510-2020
  • Cities in Santa Clara County including San Jose (Sourcewise): call 408-350-3200, select Option 1
  • City & County of San Francisco (Dept. of Disability & Aging Helpline): call 415-355-6700
  • County of San Mateo (Hotline): call 800-675-8437

Listings for the entire State of California can be found at https://www.greatplates.org/sign-up

Still have questions?

Call the City of Oakland’s Great Plates Delivered Team at 510-238-FOOD (3663) or email greatplates@oaklandca.gov.