What We Do
Our Urban Food Equity unit was founded in 2017 and focuses on improving food access through community interventions, consultations, and systems change. We aim to improve availability, accessibility, affordability, acceptability, and accommodation of food through an asset and strength-based approach. We build capacity and resource development for food justice solutions identified and prioritized by communities most affected by disparities in our health and food systems. Our projects support farmers and community leaders in building a more equitable local food landscape. Additionally, we take great pride in shaping the next generation of food systems and health equity leaders by managing fellowships and internships for UC San Diego students to gain food justice-focused experiential learning opportunities.
Our Programs and Projects
1. Growing Equity
We aim to promote community food sovereignty and health equity through urban agriculture. We’re offering $250,000+ in total funding in 2025 to urban growers in San Diego County. Learn more.
2. San Diego Urban Growers' Collaborative Project
We help urban farmers work together to aggregate and share resources, best practices, and and strengthen our regional local food system. Learn more.
3. Good Food for All
We assist local farmers and and fisherfolk in making locally-grown and caught good food available to more low-income households in San Diego County, particularly for communities of color. In 2025 we’ll be assisting farmers become authorized to accept electronic benefits for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. Learn more.
4. Live Well Community Market Program (Legacy)
We’re no longer offering the Live Well Community Market Program. However, you may wish to access our free downloadable resources to support your own healthy retail interventions. From 2016-2023, we partnered with 40+ small grocery stores and independently-owned corner stores to improve access to fresh, healthy, and affordable foods in San Diego County’s low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. Learn more.
5. Nutrition Pantry Program (Legacy)
We’re no longer offering the Nutrition Pantry Program. However, you may wish to access resources from the Nutrition Pantry Program’s founding organization, Leah’s Pantry. From 2020-2023, we partnered with food pantries and food distributions to implement practical, client-centered strategies to directly improve the experience of food insecure residents across San Diego County. Learn more.
New Urban Agriculture Funding
Growing Equity Funding Opportunity 2025
Download
Fighting for Food Justice: San Diego Community Heroes
Contact Us
Elle Mari, Director