The Family Health Care Centers of Greater Los Angeles (FHCCGLA) launched the Campaign for a Healthier Bell Gardens to address the disproportionately high rates of diabetes and obesity and lack of access to fresh produce and healthy food in their community.

FHCCGLA teamed up with the Bell Gardens Intermediate School Environmental Garden Club, which had successfully organized a school-based program for 18 years, where students learn about growing fruits and vegetables, nutrition, environmental preservation, and physical fitness. The club establishes garden plots on school grounds where students cultivate produce. Students also host “mini-markets” where they learn entrepreneurial skills as they sell produce to peers, teachers and parents. This project was funded in part by CCI’s Networking for Community Health program.