Nutrition
Nutrition plays a critical role in overall health and is a strong predictor of long-term wellness and longevity. In Oakland, rates of food insecurity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain chronic diseases remain among the highest in Alameda County.
For this reason, we are emphasizing the importance of nutrition education within our adult and youth programs, empowering participants with the knowledge and skills needed to support their health and help their bodies thrive. The nutrition component of this program will be led by Community Nutritionist and Educator
Eli Cruz Rodriguez, who brings experience in nutrition education, community health, and working with underserved populations to improve health outcomes.We also recognize the strong connection between mental and physical health.
By emphasizing emotional well-being alongside nutrition and healthy lifestyle practices, we aim to promote overall wellness and help our participants continue to Go Vertical.
Community Nutritionist & Educator
Eli Cruz-Rodriguez, BS, MSLND
Founder of Elate Nutrition, an initiative created to improve nutrition literacy and provide accessible health resources in underserved communities, Eli Cruz Rodriguez was raised in East Oakland, CA, where he has lived for the past 20 years. As a first-generation student, he earned a B.S. in Nutrition Science from UC Davis and an M.S. in Lifespan, Nutrition, and Dietetics from USC.
Community health and service have always remained at the center of Eli’s work. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with organizations including Homies Empowerment (Freedom Store), Melrose 27x Community Garden, Alameda County Community Food Bank, Rafiki Coalition, Mercy Brown Bag, and La Clínica de La Raza, helping provide essential resources, address food insecurity, and support underserved communities.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Eli uses his bilingual skills to connect with diverse populations and expand access to nutrition education. His work includes providing free prediabetes and diabetes classes for underserved community members, with a focus on empowering individuals and families to build healthier lifestyles and improve long-term health outcomes.
