Frances Moore, a former Black Panther member, has been leading the Self Help Hunger Program in North Oakland for the past 15 years. The program operates from Driver Plaza at the intersection of 61st and Adeline Street, providing meals to the local community. Moore, also known as ‘Aunti’, bases her work on the Black Panther’s Ten-Point Program, especially the tenth point advocating for basic human rights.
Moore’s past experiences with homelessness and drug addiction have influenced her dedication to the program. She initiated the program 15 years ago in her kitchen, using her Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to feed the unhoused people near her North Oakland home on 61st Street. She empathizes with the people she serves and considers herself a community servant.
The program aims to tackle the problem of food deserts in Oakland, areas where access to fresh, healthy food is limited. The closest stores with fresh food are Safeway on College Ave, Berkeley Bowl, or small corner store markets with high prices. The program provides around 120-150 hot meals twice a week, with local partners contributing additional hot food. Fresh fruit and vegetables are also available for pick up three times a week.