Project Open Hand provides meals/groceries for people with symptomatic HIV/AIDS or breast cancer, home-delivered meals for homebound/critically ill people less than 60 years of age, and group lunches for people over 60 years of age. The program also provides nutrition counseling with registered dietitians.

In order to enroll in the program, individuals who are living with HIV/AIDS or who are critically ill must have their doctor fill out an eligibility form. Seniors can sign up directly at one of sites. Services are available to eligible individuals living in San Francisco and Alameda counties regardless of their ability to pay.

Project Open Hand has been in operation since 1985 and has served as a model program for hundred of organizations around the world. It is supported through private donations, fee-for-service, and public-sector donations from organizations such as the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, The San Francisco Foundation, Wells Fargo, the San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services, and others.

The program’s mission is to meet community nutrition needs through programs for people living with HIV/AIDS, the homebound critically ill, and seniors.

From July 2008 to June 2009, Project Open Hand delivered 722,756 meals, made 16,404 grocery shops, served 7,336 clients, and enrolled 836 new clients.