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Frontline Healers East Oakland Collective ‘Protectors of the Last Frontier’ Extend Food Service During COVID-19 Pandemic

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EOC member Nicole Bratton distributing fresh meals on 75th Ave. in East Oakland.

Oakland has experienced high rates of displacement and gentrification of Black neighborhoods, and deep East Oakland is where the largest population of Black residents reside.

According to the 2010 U.S Census data, approximately 109,862 people live in deep East Oakland that encompasses city districts 6, 7, and part of 5, an area severely underserved, and one that suffers from long-standing disinvestment and lack of resources.

East Oakland Collective’s purpose is to get ahead of the curve of gentrification, prevent further displacement, and stabilize Black neighborhoods.

East Oakland Collective (EOC) is a member-based community organization, which is part of a consortium of more than 25 agencies called Frontline Healers, which serves communities of deep East Oakland by working towards racial and economic equity.

“Prior to COVID-19 we were already a front line rapid response agency, providing food, supplies and advocacy primarily in East Oakland,” said EOC Founder and Executive Director Candice Elder. “Since COVID-19, we had to re-imagine our programs. People throughout Oakland now need our service.”

Unfortunately, at a time when the need is greatest, EOC lost its food source, Elder explained.

“We relied on food donation from Silicon Valley caterers whose businesses have been impacted. Their loss of business caused us the loss of access to those caterers.”

EOC could no longer do its Feed the Hood and weekly hot meal distribution programs where hundreds of volunteers provided 3,000 bag lunches every six weeks and 400 hot meals every week.

“COVID-19 changed that paradigm, so we started over with one restaurant making donations — Aburaya, Japanese Fried Chicken — then more restaurants starting donating until EOC was invited to pick up food from the Community Food Kitchen program started by Lucas Tap Room. For Gov. Newsom’s first 45-day, shelter-in-place orders, we were picking up and serving food every day.

“We are now extending our services across Oakland by providing thousands of hot lunches in addition to (Personal Protection Equipment) kits,” Elder said.

EOC has expanded its service base and now serves people with compromised immune systems, low-income families of color and seniors.

EOC provides over 1,000 meals a week to over 500 residents. They deliver Monday through Friday to unhoused brothers and sisters and do door-front delivery Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays to seniors and families that don’t have transportation.

If people wish to pick up at the EOC office they may do so from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at 7800 MacArthur Blvd.

EOC also provides diapers, baby food, hygiene and household supplies.

EOC is supporting an emergency shelter program that is currently providing hotel rooms for over 30 seniors and families.

Elder says “We hope the community will join us in stabilizing Oakland’s most vulnerable populations, our no-to-low income brothers and sisters.”

Oaklanders who wish to assist EOC can visit the main page of their website at www.eastoaklandcollective.com for donation options. For more information Email info@eastoaklandcollective.com or call 510-990-0775.

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Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 30, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 28 – June 3, 2025

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Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 21 – 27, 2025

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OPINION: Your Voice and Vote Impact the Quality of Your Health Care

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare. 

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Rhonda M. Smith.
Rhonda M. Smith.

By Rhonda M. Smith, Special to California Black Media Partners

Shortly after last year’s election, I hopped into a Lyft and struck up a conversation with the driver. As we talked, the topic inevitably turned to politics. He confidently told me that he didn’t vote — not because he supported Donald Trump, but because he didn’t like Kamala Harris’ résumé. When I asked what exactly he didn’t like, he couldn’t specifically articulate his dislike or point to anything specific. In his words, he “just didn’t like her résumé.”

That moment really hit hard for me. As a Black woman, I’ve lived through enough election cycles to recognize how often uncertainty, misinformation, or political apathy keep people from voting, especially Black voters whose voices are historically left out of the conversation and whose health, economic security, and opportunities are directly impacted by the individual elected to office, and the legislative branches and political parties that push forth their agenda.

That conversation with the Lyft driver reflects a troubling surge in fear-driven politics across our country. We’ve seen White House executive orders gut federal programs meant to help our most vulnerable populations and policies that systematically exclude or harm Black and underserved communities.

One of the most dangerous developments we’re seeing now? Deep federal cuts are being proposed to Medicaid, the life-saving health insurance program that covers nearly 80 million lower-income individuals nationwide. That is approximately 15 million Californians and about 1 million of the state’s nearly 3 million Black Californians who are at risk of losing their healthcare.

Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, doesn’t just cover care. It protects individuals and families from medical debt, keeps rural hospitals open, creates jobs, and helps our communities thrive. Simply put; Medicaid is a lifeline for 1 in 5 Black Americans. For many, it’s the only thing standing between them and a medical emergency they can’t afford, especially with the skyrocketing costs of health care. The proposed cuts mean up to 7.2 million Black Americans could lose their healthcare coverage, making it harder for them to receive timely, life-saving care. Cuts to Medicaid would also result in fewer prenatal visits, delayed cancer screenings, unfilled prescriptions, and closures of community clinics. When healthcare is inaccessible or unaffordable, it doesn’t just harm individuals, it weakens entire communities and widens inequities.

The reality is Black Americans already face disproportionately higher rates of poorer health outcomes. Our life expectancy is nearly five years shorter in comparison to White Americans. Black pregnant people are 3.6 times more likely to die during pregnancy or postpartum than their white counterparts.

These policies don’t happen in a vacuum. They are determined by who holds power and who shows up to vote. Showing up amplifies our voices. Taking action and exercising our right to vote is how we express our power.

I urge you to start today. Call your representatives, on both sides of the aisle, and demand they protect Medicaid (Medi-Cal), the Affordable Care Act (Covered CA), and access to food assistance programs, maternal health resources, mental health services, and protect our basic freedoms and human rights. Stay informed, talk to your neighbors and register to vote.

About the Author

Rhonda M. Smith is the Executive Director of the California Black Health Network, a statewide nonprofit dedicated to advancing health equity for all Black Californians.

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