I work in East Oakland once a week, and just about every time, I make a quick stop at Primetime Nutrition inside Eastmont Mall. It's a small convenience-style market, and while the space isn't huge, it's one of the best places around for super affordable produce.
They accept food stamps (EBT), and the produce prices are consistently some of the lowest I've seen. Today, I scored a two-pound bag of avocados for only $2.75. The selection doesn't change much -- it's usually the same fruits and vegetables year-round, with a few seasonal tweaks -- but the deals alone make it worth stopping by.
They also carry dried goods, pre-made salads, dairy items, and a few other basics, but I usually skip those since they tend to be more expensive than other stores.
Location-wise, East Oakland isn't always the safest area, but the Eastmont Mall does have a police station nearby, so the plaza feels relatively safe in theory. Still, I recommend going earlier in the day -- it gets pretty busy around noon, and mornings are much quieter with no lines. Plenty of parking outside.
Overall, it's a solid stop if you're in the area or use food stamps, and especially if you're just looking to pick up some affordable produce. If you're doing a full grocery run though, Grocery Outlet or a larger supermarket might be a better option. read more