At OC Food Access, we are making things happen – one family, one partnership, one community at a time. Partner Organizations: CAPOC • Orange County Food Bank • NuPAC • Second Harvest Food Bank California State University, Fullerton • Chapman University • University of California, Irvine OC Great Park • UC Master Gardeners • The Grain Project • Ecofficiency.org UNDERSTANDING OUR FOOD NEEDS Currently, the bulk of information available on food security in Orange County comes from national or state-level assessments and is insufficient for describing local needs and informing intervention. COMMUNITY FOOD ASSESSMENT In collaboration with our member organizations and partnering academic institutions, OCFAC is conducting a comprehensive Orange County Food Needs Assessment. This research is critical for understanding the prevalence and consequence of food security in our community and for shaping meaningful, long-term solutions. REAL MEALS Provides nutritionally complete meals with whole grains, vegetables, lean protein and fresh fruit to agencies currently distributing emergency food. Real Meals is a partnership between OC Food Access, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, Community SeniorServ and our partnering agencies, feeding our neighbors in need everyday. Real Meals is part of a larger Community Kitchen Program that will establish the infrastructure needed to take advantage of untapped local food sources in our community. HARVESTING ORANGE COUNTY In partnership with our member organizations and the community, OCFAC will develop and support an urban agriculture program that redirects available fresh food to the underserved and provides the necessary tools and education for low-income residents to grow and prepare their own healthy, affordable food. ACCESS TO FOOD DOLLARS CalFresh (Food Stamps) is one of the most effective ways to combat food insecurity, by giving people money for food purchases every month. However, this federally supported program is dramatically underutilized in Orange County. Through advocacy, direct action and collaboration with its partners, OCFAC will help increase participation in CalFresh by 50,000 participants, and promote the use of CalFresh benefits for healthy food purchases. ORANGE COUNTY FOOD SYSTEMS COUNCIL OCFAC will establish a food systems council that provides a community forum for discussion of local food issues, implements creative advocacy strategies and fosters collaboration and communication among all sectors of the food system in Orange County.
For more information regarding Orange County Food Access Coalition, contact Gillian Poe at gpoe@ocfoodaccess.org
The reason that we’re so excited about A.S.A.P. is that they are making headway in Zimbabwe while most other non-profits that are trying to help the people are being shut down by the oppressive government there.
The organization was created in 1992 by Tom Arsenault and Elizabeth Bara, who met and married as Peace Corps volunteer teachers in rural Swaziland. Their experience left them inspired yet challenged to try to come up with a better, more efficient, less costly approach to development work; an approach that was not "inflicted" upon local people but truly spearheaded by capable members of the community.
The relationships that they have built with community leaders and university educated people who do the work of the organization there has made it possible for them to get a lot done and “fly under the radar” so to speak.
Their Rural Family Nutrition Initiative project offers resources for the Zimbabwean people to look within themselves and find independence, pride, and knowledge. With the help of ASAP, at-risk families have the opportunity to grow enough food to feed a family of five or more year-round.
One of the most important factors in the success of this project is the use of Cluster Facilitators. These women have been chosen by the community as leaders and are committed to leading their communities into brighter futures by implementing effective programs. The implementation of RFNIZ is highly efficient due to the arduous training and community knowledge of the CF.
The beneficiaries must meet certain needs and ability based criteria before being accepted into this program. The criterion ranges from households headed by an orphan or vulnerable child to adequate garden space (100 square meters of prepared garden space).
Through micro-finance, donations and grants, A.S.A.P. continues to improve the lives of people who are in need.
http://www.asapafrica.org
To be inspired further, please take a few minutes to view a video through the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TPEHCWIAcs
A Harvest of Hope Supporters and Sponsors:
Stanco Signage - http://www.stancosignage.com/pages/stancoteam.htm
Fleur de Lys -http://www.fleurdelysus.com/
Orange County Farm Supply - http://www.ocfarmsupply.com
Stone and Ceramic Surfaces - www.scsurfaces.com
The Orance County Cactus and Succulent Society - http://www.occss.org
Staci Schubert Designs - http://www.stacischubert.com
Molly Wood Garden Design - http://www.mollywoodgardendesign.com
Cottage Nursery Gardens - http://cottagenurserygardens.com/
Village Nurseries - http://www.villagenurseries.com/
Laguna Nursery - http://www.lagunanursery.com
Plant Depot - http://www.plantdepot.com/
Tree of Life Nursery - http://www.californianativeplants.com
Kitchen and Bath Solutions - http:www.kitchenandbathsolutions.com
Renaissance Doors and Windows - http://www.renaissancedoorsandwindows.com/
Hart Concrete Designs - www.HartConcreteDesign.com
C Salt Gourmet - http://www.csaltgourmet.com
Road Less Traveled -http://www.roadlesstraveledstore.com
Greer's OC -http://www.greersoc.com
Pontrellis Interiors -http://pontrellis.com/
The Meat House
Orange County Produce LLC
Trader Joe's
Oh Scrap!
Suzi Cakes
Sabitinos
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