In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, the FFHPC was convened by the Health Trust in 2018 in response to the reality that for many Pajaro Valley residents, the healthy choice is not always the easiest or most accessible choice when it comes to food and activity.
Mission
The mission of the Pajaro Valley Food, Farming, and Health Policy Council is to cultivate equitable food systems that foster health for all.
Vision
The vision of FFHPC is a community where culturally relevant, nutritious food is accessible and affordable for all; agriculture is sustainable, fairly produced, and a vibrant component of the local economy; and where people can be healthy and live free of preventable disease.
Goals
- Establish policies, informed by experts and the voices of people with lived experience, 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.
Impact Area
Values
Equity
Hold up food as a human right. Raise up health for all. Engage the underrepresented; broaden participation in conversation and decision-making.
Environment
Protect and restore air, water, soil, biodiversity, and climate to sustain healthy food systems; reduce pollution and food waste.
Community
Uphold the dignity of every person. Work toward compassionate and functional immigration and labor practices in support of our local food system. Promote justice, love, and peace with our neighborhoods and across communities.
The Pajaro Valley Food, Farming, and Health Policy Council is always looking to increase membership and develop strategies that will generate a lasting impact on our local food system. If you are interested in becoming an active council member, please contact Gustavo Indarose at gindarose@pvhealthtrust.org.
Initiatives Supported by the FFHPC
Member Organizations
- Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey
- Community Water Center
- County of Santa Cruz Health Services Agency - Public Health
- El Pajaro Community Development Corporation
- Everyone's Harvest
- Farm Discovery at Live Earth
- Open Farm Tours
- Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley
- Pajaro Valley Unified School District
- Resilient Foodsheds
- Safe Ag Safe Schools & Californians for Pesticide Reform
- Salud Para La Gente
- Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County
- Teen Kitchen Project
