We Thrive with a Little Help from Our Friends:
How the Power of Partnership
Amplifies Long-Term Community Impact
In values-driven work, one thing is certain: no organization can tackle every challenge alone. Fortunately, through our collaborations with other organizations, we’ve learned that we don’t have to.
Bay Area communities face ongoing health challenges like housing instability and food insecurity—issues that have only intensified since the pandemic. But together with partners like the Health & Human Resource Education Center (HHREC), the Alameda County Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, and the Native American Health Center (NAHC), we’ve been able to distribute thousands of dollars in VeggieRx vouchers for fresh fruits and vegetables. These vouchers provide more than access to nourishing food—they create opportunities for healthier lives for those who need it most.
“We’re working with individuals in Alameda County who are either experiencing homelessness, are at risk, survivors of domestic violence, or in recovery or at risk of substance use,” shared Robert Williams, Senior Program Manager at HHREC. “Many of our participants were unaware of healthy food options and didn’t know that a healthier lifestyle could be achieved just by changing their diet.”
These partnerships have made an immediate difference. As Williams explained, “The VeggieRx [Nutrition Education] program was especially helpful because it allowed for quick communication and provided participants with the services they needed.” By distributing vouchers through trusted community organizations, we’re ensuring that food security efforts are not only effective but also meaningful to the people we serve.
Reaching Impacted Communities
“Staff from both organizations were helpful in sending reminders, calling clients, and encouraging them to use the vouchers at the [participating] farmers’ markets,” said Kathleen Willkom, WIC Director. She emphasized the program’s impact, adding, “When clients get the $20 VeggieRx Vouchers, they’re very appreciative. It’s a real help, and for some, it adds up to $80 or $100 to buy fresh produce.”
Through the shared goals of our partners and the VeggieRx Nutrition Education Program, funded in part by a three-year grant through the Alameda County Public Health Department, we’ve been able to do more than just help families get by—we’re helping them thrive.
“I’ve seen firsthand how these programs impact energy levels and participation in activities like fitness workshops,” says Williams. Programs like VeggieRx empower participants to take ownership of their health, especially in areas historically marked as food deserts.
When reflecting on the successes of the program, one story stands out to us: a mother-daughter duo. At first, the program focused on improving the mother’s health, with her daughter quietly observing the changes in habits and diet. Over time, as the mother’s health improved, her daughter was inspired to adopt healthier habits herself.
“It was life-changing for them and rewarding for me as well,” said Williams. “This program helped them break out of a food desert and embrace healthier choices, showing that positive change is achievable.”
Hearing these stories motivates us every day. “Seeing participants progress mentally, physically, and emotionally reminds me why this work matters,” Williams shared. “It’s not about making decisions for them; it’s about supporting them to reach their potential and showing them there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”
These partnerships inspire us to keep moving forward, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to continue serving participants across generations.
Looking to the Future
By 2025, with the help of our partners, we plan to distribute $60,000 in VeggieRx Vouchers to over 3,000 households across Alameda County. Each voucher brings accessible nutrition to families, fostering more nourishing diets and habits that can lead to long-term wellness.
Our outreach efforts and VeggieRx Nutrition Education Program, both strengthened by trusted partnerships and a client-centered approach, aim to expand food access for underserved communities while empowering our partners to create healthier, more resilient neighborhoods.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to deepen these partnerships and explore new ones. Together, we’ll continue to serve more individuals and families through programs that address immediate food needs while nurturing community health.
