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.

We’re excited to introduce the newest members of our Community Bridges family: Jack, Araceli, Jay, and Cathy! 🌟 Their enthusiasm and fresh perspectives are sure to bring a wave of energy and inspiration to all of our programs. Join us in welcoming them with open arms as we continue to grow and thrive together! 🎉✨ ... See MoreSee Less
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Are You Ready for Disaster? Join us for the Pajaro Emergency Preparedness Event on Sunday, November 10th, from 10 AM to 3 PM at Pajaro Middle School.Learn from emergency response experts how to prepare yourself and your community for disasters. This event will teach you practical tips and skills to help you respond to any emergency, big or small.There will also be FREE food, crafts, games, and fun raffle prizes for everyone to enjoy!🗓 Sunday, Nov 10 | 🕙 10 AM - 3 PM | 📍 Pajaro Middle SchoolCome for the knowledge, stay for the fun! Be prepared, stay safe, and help make our community stronger. See you there! ... See MoreSee Less
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¿Está preparado para un desastre? Acompáñenos al Evento de Preparación para Emergencias de Pájaro el domingo 10 de noviembre, de 10 AM a 3 PM en la Escuela Secundaria Pájaro.Aprenda de expertos en respuesta a emergencias cómo prepararse y preparar a su comunidad para los desastres. Este evento le enseñará consejos prácticos y habilidades para ayudarle a responder a cualquier emergencia, grande o pequeña.¡También habrá comida GRATIS, artesanías, juegos y divertidos premios de rifa para que todos disfruten!🗓 Domingo, Nov 10 | 🕙 10 AM - 3 PM | 📍 Pajaro Middle School¡Ven por el conocimiento, quédate por la diversión! Prepárate, mantente seguro y ayuda a fortalecer nuestra comunidad. ¡Nos vemos allí! ... See MoreSee Less
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If you recently had a life changing event, you couldchoose a health plan from quality health insurancecompanies for $10 or less a month. There's even morefinancial help available for 2024!Learn More:www.coveredca.com/support/before-you-buy/what-is-financial-help/ ... See MoreSee Less
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