Food Programs
Our Food Programs improve access to fresh, nutritious foods while strengthening local food systems. Through community-based programs, we help families thrive and neighborhoods grow healthier.
Community Gardens
The Community Gardens program promotes health, wellness, and sustainability in Watsonville. Through gardening, participants are empowered to lead active lifestyles, become environmental stewards, foster community connections, and access fresh, nutritious food and educational resources.
These gardens were created in partnership with the City of Watsonville and the UC Master Gardeners of Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, working together to expand access to fresh, healthy food for the community.
With support from a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Program, the Community Gardens program has expanded from one garden to four across Watsonville.
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View garden locations and sign-up details.View garden locations and sign-up details.
El Mercado
El Mercado is a seasonal farmers’ market that increases access to fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers and food vendors.
Through the Market Incentive Program, El Mercado helps make fresh produce more affordable for families using CalFresh/EBT. Every $1 spent on eligible fruits and vegetables is matched with $2 in tokens to spend at the market.
El Mercado is supported in part by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service and Granite Construction.
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Explore market details and schedule.Explore market details and schedule.
Mini Mercado
Mini Mercado is CHT’s on-site food pantry, providing patients with access to fresh produce and shelf-stable foods to support everyday nutrition and health.
This welcoming space is available to patients of CHT’s Nutrition Services and is designed to help make healthy food more accessible as part of whole-person care.
