Oakland Movement Festival Addresses Mind, Body and Soul

Free health screenings, healthy cooking demos, free bike repairs, music and dance, and family fun zone highlight Saturday, Sept. 27 event in Tassafaronga Park

OAKLAND, Calif., Sept. 26, 2014 – Showing civic pride and addressing the stigma of hopelessness, poverty and crime often associated with East Oakland will be at the top of the agenda when more than 350 local residents, organizers and service providers join together at the Oakland Movement Festival this Saturday from 11 AM until 4 PM in East Oakland’s Tassafaronga Park.

Organizers agree that the need is great, citing statistics showing that many of the area’s residents meet the federal guidelines for very low-income households. In a survey conducted by Alameda County Community Food Bank, 53 percent of their clients reported that the public benefits they receive last less than two weeks.

By the third week of the month, it’s believed that more families are likely to be actively looking for resources to assist with affording everyday necessities such as food, medicine and more.

To begin to address the situation, the Movement hopes to help participants live healthier lives by learning to cook healthy on a budget, exercising together, and receiving free health screenings. They can also get their bikes fixed at no cost, enjoy musical and dance performances by local artists, and more.

Sponsored by City of Oakland Parks and Recreation, Project Access, Whole Foods Market and the Partnership for Children & Youth, the cadre of organizations involved in the activity includes Alameda County Community Food Bank, Alameda Social Services, Acta Non Verba farm, Bicycle Banh Mi, Berkeley Free Clinic, BikeMobile, City Care Share, Communities for a Better Environment, East Bay Housing Organizations, East Oakland Building Healthy Communities, KIND Healthy Snacks, Oakland Housing Authority, San Pablo Economic Development Corporation, Planned Parenthood, and Walgreens.

Project Access, which strives to be the leading provider of vital on-site health, education and employment services to low-income families, children and seniors, operates a Family Resource Center at Tassafaronga Apartments.

“Project Access is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of the residents and is delighted to play a part in this important event,” said CEO Kristin Byrnes.

LINK TO PRESS RELEASE DOCUMENT.