It’s not just about the food
Every habit begins somewhere, but knowing that a change is needed is often where folks begin when it comes to learning about which foods and activities are really nourishing. Expanding that understanding into lasting habits can be intimidating, but for Belinda and Arelly, starting small made all the difference.
Both women drew inspiration from their families, leaning on familiar flavors their children already loved. Arelly enrolled in our VeggieRx Nutrition Program, which combines hands-on nutrition classes with VeggieRx Vouchers that can be redeemed at participating farmers’ markets. Belinda’s journey began with small but intentional shifts at her neighborhood market. For both, VeggieRx provided the practical tools, encouragement, and flexibility to turn those first steps into lasting change.
Arelly’s Story: From Fields to Farmers’ Markets
Arelly grew up watching her family plant, harvest, and sell—by hand—a way of life she says “made us rich in what mattered: the ability to share food with love.” Now, joy in Bay Area groceries links her past to the present: “I shop even when CalFresh benefits run out, because fresh market produce supports growers and nourishes my family.”
Her journey reflects a larger truth: California grows nearly half the nation’s fruits and vegetables, yet its food insecurity rate sits at about 22% for households overall and 27% for households with children according to the California Association of Food Banks.
Belinda’s Story: Redefining Eating for Well-Being
Belinda’s path was more tentative at first. She had been in rigid nutrition classes before—“no salt, no sugar”—and felt like she was failing at healthy eating. Our VeggieRx classes gave her space to experiment: starting with pre-wrapped produce, then choosing her own, blending vegetables into Jollof rice, topping bagels with zucchini or jalapeño, and sprinkling chickpeas into meals instead of meat.
Those small shifts added up: better sleep, increased energy, clearer skin, and noticeable relief in her arthritis. She says, “Healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up what I enjoy. Flexibility and support make it sustainable.”
The Bigger Picture: Impact that Spreads
Food insecurity in California continues to challenge families despite the abundance of local produce. Around 1.8 million households—roughly one in eight—lack consistent access to adequate nutrition, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. Rates are highest among households with children (17%) and among Black and Latino communities (18%).
While CalFresh distributed an estimated $12.6 billion in aid during 2024–25, participation still falls short. Cuts to federal nutrition programs also loom large, threatening to leave 175,000 Bay Area residents—including children and seniors—at greater risk of hunger (Axios). Local food banks are already preparing for increased demand.
Our VeggieRx Nutrition Program doesn’t just provide vouchers—it pairs them with nutrition education, recipes, and community support. This dual approach helps participants stretch their food budgets, bring home more fruits and vegetables, and feel confident in preparing them. In this way, vouchers aren’t just financial support; they’re an entry point to choice and agency.
Arelly practices more nourishing cooking at home and shares meals and recipes with her neighbors. Belinda journals her process, stays accountable, and continues experimenting. Through this, each woman’s impact ripples outward.
In a state overflowing with produce, programs like VeggieRx remind us: what’s most transformative isn’t only access to food—it’s access paired with confidence, culture, and community. At a time when federal cuts threaten to widen the hunger gap, VeggieRx Vouchers help bridge the shortfall and keep fresh produce on the table. The result is less about provision and more about empowerment—one meal at a time.
Want to learn more about our VeggieRx Nutrition program?
