Bay Area born and raised, Oliver Gayo was always fascinated by growing his own food and uplifting his community. Inspired by his family’s small home garden, dissatisfied from the quality of grocery store produce, and a desire to see more healthy food options in West Contra Costa County, he decided to become a farmer.

17 years later, it’s thriving: every Wednesday at Bloomhouse, the market is actively creating opportunities to build stronger relationships between the people of the East Palo Alto community, the farmers who produce the food, and the community-serving organizations.

Meet Izzy Sandoval, a full-time dental hygiene student and East Palo Alto resident who found support and a sense of contribution through Fresh Approach’s farm-food box program.