Community Engagement

Oftentimes, the perspectives of those closest to the issues are critical to informing and driving solutions, so we provide platforms for community members to share their experiences and needs, and advocate for themselves. Using residents’ and partners’ feedback, we tailor programs to better support the communities we serve. For example: 

• The FoodPrints team maintains ongoing dialogue and feedback loops with partner school administrators, staff, and families. Based on this feedback, the team tailors programming to each school’s needs and goals, including participating in school-wide events and collaborating with classroom teachers on lessons.
• The Food Access team conducted focus groups with Produce Plus and FreshMatch participants to learn how farmers markets can be more accessible for residents using food benefits. Based on this feedback, FRESHFARM updated outreach and communications to make them more accessible and user-friendly.

We recognize that food access and food education must be paired in order to provide the exposure and experiences that make fresh food more familiar and accessible to all residents in our work to reduce food insecurity. 

• Our Produce 101 guide helps eaters and shoppers better navigate the seasonal produce offered at our markets. 
• Our School Farm Stand model at Simon and Whittier Elementary schools was informed by a community desire for financially accessible produce at school sites. These “hubs” integrate food education and access by creating spaces for families and community members to shop for fresh produce and make connections between what students are growing and eating in FoodPrints with what they can buy and prepare at home.

Creating a safe, engaging space that is free from power dynamics takes time, intention, and flexibility. By honoring the lived experiences and wisdom of individuals providing direct, hands-on services, our staff convene and facilitate multi-sector coalitions. This work helps us understand the challenges and develop participant-driven solutions to inform policy and decision-making.  In 2022 FRESHFARM, in partnership with Share Our Strength, developed a toolkit to inform organizations on how to create family councils.

Pairing community engagement with increased access and exposure to fresh food for both children and adults, we are bringing the FoodPrints model to Early Childhood Education (ECE) Centers. In these ECE communities, families, caregivers, and young children have expressed a desire for greater exposure and access to fresh food. In 2024, we worked with 14 ECE centers, and in 2025, we are cultivating deeper partnerships with three centers. Our ECE educators bring sensory-rich food exploration for young children, recipe demos and cooking workshops for families and staff, and increased access to fruits and vegetables for snacks and meals.