Arrow icon
A person wearing a striped sun hat bends down to tend to plants in a community garden, while another person in a white helmet and glasses watches closely. They are surrounded by lush greenery and flowering plants.

Building a Sustainable and Equitable Food System in San Gabriel Valley with the LA Food Equity Fund

Illustration with the text "LA Food Equity Fund" featuring a person holding a tomato, surrounded by images of various fruits and vegetables including lemons, leafy greens, mushrooms, and carrots. Community Partners and Los Angeles County logos are at the bottom.
The LA Food Equity Fund, supported by Community Partners and Los Angeles County, promotes equitable access to nutritious food through various community initiatives.

We're really excited to be part of the LA Food Equity Fund (LAFEF), a transformative initiative powered by the American Rescue Plan Act and managed by Community Partners alongside Los Angeles County’s Chief Sustainability Office. Out of many applicants, 46 nonprofits, including ActiveSGV, were chosen for their dedication to food equity and sustainability. Thanks to this support, we’re set to amplify our nutrition education and sustainable food programs in high-need areas of the San Gabriel Valley.

Ariana Contreras, an ActiveSGV staff member, says, "This project is particularly exciting because it gives us a chance to address an aspect of sustainability we haven't been able to before: equitable food system barriers in the SGV. It will be a collaborative effort, tackling local challenges and supporting and enhancing existing efforts to combat nutrition insecurity. This initiative promises to drive meaningful change and strengthen our impact on sustainability and community health."

With LAFEF’s backing, ActiveSGV is gearing up to make the San Gabriel Valley healthier and more equitable. Our community-driven efforts include 20 interactive, hands-on nutrition education classes and 12 engaging food prep demos led by certified health educators. These engaging sessions will empower you to plan balanced meals, cook deliciously on a budget, and discover the best ways to nourish your body.

On top of that, you won’t want to miss our five lively community “Crop Swaps”! These events are about neighbors exchanging surplus fruits and veggies, reducing waste, and strengthening our community ties. Bring your home-grown produce and swap it for something new! It’s a fantastic way to connect, share gardening tips, and enjoy a variety of fresh, local foods while cutting down on grocery bills.

A group of people seated under white tents at an outdoor event, listening to speakers at a local urban farm. The audience is facing a garden with various plants and vegetables.
Community members gather under tents for a presentation at a local urban farm, promoting engagement and education on sustainable agricultural practices. Photo: Rubén Tapia for Radio Bilingüe

Want more details? Diane Vélez, our program director, recently shared the scoop on ActiveSGV’s role in the LAFEF on Radio Bilingüe (Spanish language only). Check out her interview for insights into how this grant boosts our community programs.

Join the excitement and make a difference! Whether swapping crops or learning new recipes, your involvement is vital and appreciated. Follow @ActiveSGV on social media and subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on upcoming events.