By: Gustavo Indarose, Program Manager
Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley
We live in an agriculturally rich area and yet locally in Watsonville, we are federally designated as a Food Desert. Meaning, at least 500 people and/or at least 33% of the measured population by the census, live more than one mile from a supermarket or large grocery store. In addition, in 2018 the food insecurity rate in Santa Cruz County was 14% versus the National rate of 11.8%.
To combat this, the Community Health Trust convened the Pajaro Valley Food, Farming and Health Policy Council (FFHPC), a chapter of the California Food Policy Council, to cultivate a more equitable local food system that fosters health for all. A food system is the multifaceted steps it takes to get food from its origins to your table. Through the many complexities of our local food system, it’s easy to encounter challenges such as the overconsumption of unhealthy food options and the underutilization of federal food programs.
This year, FFHCP identified the following actionable goals to pursue into 2021 and beyond:
- Establish policies, informed by experts and key stakeholders, that create a community environment where every resident has access to healthy food and safe public spaces for physical activity
- Increase enrollment and utilization of federal food programs
- Decrease availability of unhealthy options; deepen understanding of community issues that drive the overutilization of unhealthy options and explore practical, policy, and market changes that can be positively influenced by the Council.
To date, some activities of the Council include:
- Advocacy for a city-wide ban on the use of Roundup within Watsonville City limits.
- Promotion of a limitation on drive-through businesses to promote health equity
- Endorsed approval of a resolution to remove the soda tax ban.
- Support of the Community Water Center, specifically in their efforts to ensure that all schools in the Pajaro Valley have access to clean drinking water.
Membership of FFHPC consists of a cross-section of both agencies and individuals representing various disciplines in the Pajaro Valley. If you or your organization are interested in becoming members, would like additional information, or want to view the list of current members, please visit https://pvhealthtrust.org/programs/food-farming-health-policy-council/.
If you need food, call Second Harvest Food Bank at (831) 662-0991 or email foodhotline@thefoodbank.org.
