Our goal: Increased Access to Healthy Food for All

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We all deserve healthy foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, for ourselves and our families. Many residents in San Jose’s low-income communities don’t have access to fresh produce or can’t afford it, which is one reason they experience higher rates of nutrition-related diseases than residents of more affluent areas. Some city policies make it difficult to bring new community gardens, farmers’ markets and mobile produce vendors into low-income communities.

The Campaign for Healthy Food San Jose’s goal is to ensure access to fresh fruits and vegetables in all neighborhoods. Working with city departments and healthy food providers, the Campaign is seeking changes in city policies that will:

• Increase urban agriculture, including home gardens, community gardens and urban farms, particularly in areas with limited access to healthy food options
• Support Certified Farmers’ Markets and mobile produce vendors in neighborhoods with the highest need, and promote use of EBT for purchases
• Make healthier food and beverages more available in parks and recreation facilities and city-sponsored afterschool programs

Mindful of the current city budget challenges, the Campaign is pursuing strategies that:

• Have minimal city start-up costs
• Can be implemented quickly
• Will benefit local community building and economic development
• Align with Healthy Food Access and Urban Agriculture policies in San Jose’s General Plan

Led by The Health Trust and funded through the Santa Clara County Department of Public Health, the Campaign for Healthy Food San Jose is championed by the City of San Jose and a coalition of non-profits. Our Campaign partners include:

• City of San Jose Department of Planning, Building and Code Enforcement
• City of San Jose Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services
• FIRST 5 Santa Clara County
• Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association
• Working Partnerships USA

Campaign partners are identifying key policy and regulatory changes needed to reach our goals. We need the support of the community to make these changes happen. You can help by:

• Signing up to receive updates on our progress through our website
• Educating your fellow community members and City Council
• Supporting the work that comes out of the campaign
• Looking for opportunities to support Farmers’ Markets and community gardens in your neighborhood.

For more information and to sign up for updates, send an e-mail to healthyfood@healthtrust.org or call 408.879.8434.

The Campaign for Healthy Food San Jose is made possible with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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