Advancing Healthy Food Access and Security: CalFresh Healthy Living Initiatives Across California
Overview:
Our team partnered with the California Department of Social Services to launch and pilot projects aimed at enhancing healthy food access and food security through community-based organizations. Key initiatives included the Health Ambassador Initiative with the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California, which led to policy changes at local food pantries and improved school meals and physical activity. Another project with the California Indian Museum and Cultural Center focused on youth engagement and developed culturally relevant healthy recipes and materials. Additionally, the Building Healthy Habits Initiative, in collaboration with the YMCA of the East Bay and Carquinez Garden School, resulted in 22 policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes to improve water access, gardening, and physical activity at Early Care and Education sites.
Impact:
Our efforts built personal and organizational capacity to drive community change, emphasizing creative training and tailored technical assistance to achieve sustainable impact.
