Consistent with our mission, UEPI wants to transform the food system to be more just and sustainable. Achieving food justice – good food for all – will require eliminating disparities that make it difficult for many low-income people to access healthy food; promoting rights for farm workers, food processing workers, restaurasnt workers and others employed in food system work; and reducing concentrations of power in agribusiness and food retail. A greener food system will center on sustainably-grown, local, healthy food to replace our big ag, fast food, junk food culture. In working towards these goals, UEPI tries to link food issues to our other social change priorities because the way we grow, sell, and eat food influences and is influenced by our built environment, transportation system, and global economy.
Our Food Projects
Regional Food Systems The goal of UEPI's Regional Food Systems program is to develop models and resources that will help small and midsized local farmers overcome the barriers associated with selling their products to institutional customers such as schools, corner stores, hospitals, restaurants, and other healthy food outlets. |
Project GROW |
Grocery Accountability Project |
Food and Transportation UEPI believes that transportation options can be improved to help bring good food to people and help people get to good food. |
Farm to WIC The Farm to WIC program aims to improve the health and vitality of local communities by providing access to high quality, seasonal produce for low-income families while expanding market opportunities for small and medium-scale local farms. |
Farm to Preschool The Farm to Preschool Program began as a two-year pilot program in 2009 and is continuing to expand. It is designed to influence early childhood eating habits and expand the farm to school network of programs to bring farm fresh foods to a range of child care and preschool programs in underserved areas of Los Angeles and San Diego counties. |
Edible Landscapes UEPI believes that various residences and institutions, including affordable housing developments, can be hubs of good food, with gardens and other edible landscaping; farmers markets and CSA drop off points, community food organizing, and other healthy food programs. |
California Farm to School Visit www.cafarmtoschool.org and get involved! |
