Community Bridges to Receive Funding for Edible Garden Project

Santa Cruz County, CA — Community Bridges is pleased to announce it will lead the launch of an “Edible Gardens Project” after receiving a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture for the program. Families living in San Benito, Monterey, and Santa Cruz counties will have an opportunity to participate over the life of the program.

The two most frequently cited reasons that families have a hard time putting healthy meals on the table are access to fresh produce and affordability.

For many of Santa Cruz County’s lowest-income residents, there’s a tragic irony to living in America’s “salad bowl” while still struggling to provide nutritious meals for their own children.

“Our region has a rich agricultural tradition. Using funds provided by this grant, we can give young people the education, skills, and tools they need to grow their own fruits and vegetables,” said Raymon Cancino, Chief Executive Officer, Community Bridges. “But most importantly the educational program will connect our community’s young people with the farming traditions passed down through Pajaro Valley’s history.”

The grant provides nearly $100,000 for the North Monterey County School District to increase the procurement of locally sourced foods and more than $48,000 towards the Edible Garden Project, which will be led in partnership between Community Bridges’ Child and Adult Care Food Program, 100 Day Care Home Providers, and Lab Life, a garden-based educational organization.

“I am pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has made vital investments to increase access to healthy, nutritious food for students and communities on the Central Coast,” said Congressman Panetta.  “The Farm to School Grants for the North Monterey County Unified School District and Community Bridges will help strengthen the ties between our local agriculture industry and youth in our communities.  These grants represent a win-win scenario, as they will expose our children to agriculture and nutrition education through hands-on learning while providing a reliable revenue for local farmers.”

 ABOUT COMMUNITY BRIDGES 

Community Bridges envisions a thriving community where every person has the opportunity to unleash their full potential. Together, our family of programs delivers essential services, provides equitable access to resources, and advocates for health and dignity across every stage of life. To learn more, please visit www.communitybridges.org.

The Community Bridges family of programs includes the Child & Adult Care Food Program, Child Development Division, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), La Manzana Community Resources, Live Oak Community Resources, Mountain Community Resources, Nueva Vista Community Resources, Elderday Adult Day Health Care, Lift Line and Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County.

For more than 100 years combined, Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County and Grey Bears have delivered more than just food—we’ve delivered hope, dignity, and connection to tens of thousands of older adults in Santa Cruz County.Today, we’re facing one of our greatest challenges yet. As demand for meals among local seniors rises, critical federal programs like CalFresh (SNAP) and the National Senior Nutrition Program (NSIP) have been severely cut. These safety nets are lifelines for local older adults who are already forced to choose between groceries, rent, and medication.When food support disappears, the ripple effects hit our entire community—impacting health care, housing, and transportation systems—and make local programs like Meals on Wheels and Grey Bears all the more essential. 💛 You can make a difference.Your support helps bring food—and hope—straight to the doorstep of someone who truly needs it.📍 Donate today:Community Bridges ➡️ communitybridges.org/donateGrey Bears ➡️ greybears.org/ways-to-give📖 Learn how we’re banding together at the table for local seniors:🔗 bit.ly/4kJi3ag Together, we can ensure no senior is forgotten.Together, we can feed hope.#MealsOnWheels #GreyBears #CommunityBridges #FeedHope #TogetherAtTheTable #SantaCruzCares@ ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Photos from Elderday Adult Day Health Care's post ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Ten Years Strong - Thanks to YOU!Because of your unwavering support, our 10th Annual Farm to Fork Gala was an unforgettable celebration of community, compassion, and impact.Together, you supported all ten Community Bridges programs, touching the lives of over 20,000 local children, families, and older adults. Your generosity fueled essential services, expanded equitable access to resources, and brought health and dignity across every stage of life on our Central Coast. This milestone is yours to celebrate. We’re endlessly grateful for your partnership.Enjoy these highlights from a night we’ll never forget — and mark your calendar for next year!If you weren’t able to attend, there’s still time to make an impact. Join us at communitybridges.org/donate 💚 ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
🌿 Thank You to Our Incredible Sponsors! 🌿Our Farm to Fork Gala wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our amazing partners.Special thanks to:Bontadelli Farms, Driscoll's, Ginny Solari Mazry, Lookout Santa Cruz, Tere Carrubba & Cathe Race, West Coast Community Bank — your presence and support made this event truly special.And a heartfelt thank you to:Armitage Wines, Tilapia, Alfaro Family Vineyards, CamFlor Inc., Chic Event Rentals, Edward Newman Family, Falcon Trading Co., Karissa Paxton Events LLC, and Tilapia Film — your contributions helped bring our vision to life. ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Happy Fourth of July!🎆Wishing everyone a day filled with sunshine, laughter, and celebration. Whether you're enjoying a BBQ, watching fireworks, or just kicking back — we hope your holiday is safe and full of joy!Don't forget to wave when you see Lift Line and Meals on Wheels in the parade! 🎉🚐🍽️ ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook