Began Surveying the Community
From December 2020 to the spring of 2021, FRESA surveyed food-insecure families at Santa Barbara County FoodBank distribution sites to learn how they could better serve residents and improve food access.
Drafted a Survey to Develop Community Based Strategies
In the fall of 2020, FRESA drafted a community survey to ensure their next steps and strategies were informed by the community. Their goal was to find out how comfortable community members felt going to a Farmers’ Market, what time…
July-September 2020: Conducted Research and Shared Information
Throughout the summer of 2020, the working group conducted outreach to raise awareness about the economic benefits of increasing access to CalFresh, and of making it possible to spend CalFresh benefits at the Farmers Market. These programs not only support…
FRESA is Formed and Holds their First Meeting
A coalition of organizations (including the Community Environmental Council, Route One Farmers Market, Rooted Language Services, SBC-Public Health Dept., Fund for Santa Barbara, FSA-Little House by the Park, FoodBank of Santa Barbara County, Dept. Social Services- SBC, community advocates, and…
The Idea for Building a Food Access Coalition was Born
After attending a CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE - County of San Luis Obispo event in which they shared the economic impact of CalFresh food access programs, local food advocate Alhan Diaz-Correa began to ask the question: do opportunities exist for…
Scaled Up Vermicast Production
In order to scale up production and expand the application of vermicast from one blueberry field to a total of 16 acres, Restoration Oaks Ranch invested in two additional worm bins and a {tooltip}compost tea{end-texte}Compost Tea: Compost tea takes finished…
Launched a Cancer Recovery Program
To combat cancer and other chronic illnesses, special dietary needs must be in place. Yet, for many in our community, food security is difficult to come by. Additionally, many diagnosed with cancer or a chronic illness suffer from mobility problems…
Invested in Two More Worm Bins, a Compost Tea Brewer, and Scaled Up
Began scaling up the production of vermicast to layer onto the top soil. Purchased a compost tea brewer to oxygenate the vermicast onsite and apply it via drip to the land. Restoration Oaks receives food scraps from New Frontiers Market…
Launched Second Fruit Tree Initiative
Greenspot launched their second 1,000 fruit tree initiative to grow more fresh produce in unused greenspaces across Santa Barbara County.
Provided Fruit for the Tri-County Area
Greenspot Farming (GSF) has been providing fruit for the tri-county area including San Luis Obispo, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties. In the Spring of 2021, GSF reached 250,000 pounds of local fruit distributed through more than 20 local retail markets.
