grow the programs
Growing community-powered business programs built to last
empowering
our economy
Rooted in our region’s farmworker legacy, we strive to remain a trusted food economy leader.
the challenge
East San José faces systemic barriers to nutritious food and economic growth. Limited market access leaves residents under chronic stress, while local farmers and small food businesses struggle to compete against large, extractive systems.
our belief
When a neighborhood controls their own food economy, a clear path to self-determination opens up. Residents are nourished, local producers thrive, and resources stay right where they belong. We train community leaders in this space and support our farmers and entrepreneurs with business and financial programs.
growing with
intention
We train industry advocates and connect our local producers with institutional buyers to develop an economy that benefits everyone.
our initiatives
access
We develop food system infrastructure designed by, with, and for the community.
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Our Resident Advocacy Committee members advise Santa Clara’s food system initiatives and guide PHD programs—including those listed in its Workplan.
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150+ families are provided fresh produce weekly through our Del Campo a la Mesa (CALM) program and Farm Stand.
1,000+ residents are provided fresh produce through a dedicated network of 1,250+ volunteers maintaining our fields and packing farm boxes.
13,500+ free CSA boxes sourced from local BIPOC farms and our fields have been distributed.
livelihoods
We turn family recipes and farm knowledge into shared wealth through our training and business programs; empowering entrepreneurs to build sustainably for the long term.
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Composed of our food incubator program graduates, Fuerza Comunitaria elevates community voices and advocates for fair local business conditions alongside our Community Organizing Specialist.
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We reinvested $850,000 to sixteen farms and assisted the launch of 16 small food businesses in the last 5 years.
We distributed $150,000 in grants to entrepreneurs to cover insurance, permits, rental space, and equipment for their business launches.
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We support program graduates with ongoing assistance to grow their business.
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Our Affordable Business Campaign lowered business costs with 50 entrepreneurs.
Our Circular Kitchen program provides entrepreneurs with equipment rentals at below-market rates.