Veggielution

Veggielution Connecting people from diverse backgrounds through food and farming to build community in San José.

This year, we proudly launched the 4th cohort of Eastside Grown program and welcomed 19 new entrepreneurs! Over the cour...
12/13/2024

This year, we proudly launched the 4th cohort of Eastside Grown program and welcomed 19 new entrepreneurs! Over the course of this immersive 8-month program, participants gain valuable knowledge and skills through small business workshops, hands-on technical assistance training, community-building events, and peer coaching sessions. Eastside Grown is a vital part of the Jobs to Grow initiative, which is dedicated to advancing economic mobility and creating opportunities for residents to achieve their dreams.

By the end of the program, we aim to celebrate the launch of at least eight new food businesses. Each of these entrepreneurs will not only contribute to the local economy but also bring their unique flavors, ideas, and passion to the community.
We’re excited to embark on this journey with this incredible cohort and can’t wait to see the impact they will make in the remaining few month of the program!

Stay tuned this Saturday to hear from Betty, a past cohort participant who has successfully launched her very own food truck, Mixteca Poblana! If you’d like to support our entrepreneurs, visit our website to explore a list of food businesses to support and to donate to help us continue supporting entrepreneurs.

The Climate Resilience Leadership Academy (CRLA) is a collaborative effort by Veggielution in partnership with the Count...
12/12/2024

The Climate Resilience Leadership Academy (CRLA) is a collaborative effort by Veggielution in partnership with the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department. We engage with nine organizations in this program to address climate change and its impacts. Through eight interactive sessions, CRLA participants delve into climate science, mitigation strategies, and the disproportionate impact of climate change. They also explore the health risks of extreme heat and poor air quality.

Following these sessions, these organizations have developed their own climate resilience and adaptation projects with the support of a mini-grant to help further their impact. Here are some the projects developed from this initiative:

🌲LUNA - Latinos United for a New America is addressing low tree canopy in East San José. LUNA will partner with tenants and landlords in multi-family buildings to plant trees and improve air quality. A dedicated community care team will ensure the long-term health of these newly planted trees.

🧑‍🏫 Recovery Cafe San Jose is creating a 10-week curriculum called “Navigating a cold winter” to offer support to community members during the winter, and another 10-week curriculum in the spring called “Navigating a hot summer” In addition to these class series, they will also purchase air purifiers, fans, and canopies for their office space to create a more comfortable environment for their members. They'll also provide reusable water bottles to encourage members to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.

These projects demonstrate the power of community-led solutions in combating climate change.

When Rosa gets home from her walk to the farm to pick up her farm box, she eagerly looks through the fresh vegetables an...
12/06/2024

When Rosa gets home from her walk to the farm to pick up her farm box, she eagerly looks through the fresh vegetables and fruits inside, wondering what to make with the ingredients. Her son glances at the box and spots onions, cabbage, radishes, jalapeño, and cilantro. “This is perfect for making pozole verde!” he exclaims.

Most weeks, Rosa and her son know exactly what to cook with the produce, often drawing from family recipes. Other times, they crave something different but aren’t sure how to make it, so they turn to quick YouTube tutorials for inspiration. That’s how Rosa learned to make ceviche using cauliflower, lemon, herbs, and V8 tomato juice—a dish that has become a favorite.

Receiving the farm box has become a weekly tradition that Rosa and her son look forward to. It provides a reliable source of fresh ingredients that helps feed themselves.

She is deeply involved in her community and passionate about making it a better place. Rosa first connected with our Eastside Connect (EC) program through SOMOS Mayfair’s Empuje program, a committee of parents/caregivers organize to achieve changes in the local school system and bring resources to our schools. There, community members exchanged resources and supported one another. She found a similar sense of camaraderie and mutual support in Eastside Connect, building relationships and exchanging helpful information and resources with her neighbors.

Unfortunately, due to funding challenges, the Eastside Connect program was closed this year. This will impact many families who have relied on it for years. Despite this, Rosa remains determined to advocate for and organize around food security resources. She firmly believes that “when people come together, the voice is louder and stronger.”

Join us in building a stronger, more equitable community—every contribution matters. Donate at veggielution.org/donate

Over the past few years, our team has proudly distributed thousands of farm boxes across the community through our Easts...
12/05/2024

Over the past few years, our team has proudly distributed thousands of farm boxes across the community through our Eastside Connect program. We launch this program in the spring of 2020 during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, which became a lifeline for many families. At its peak, Eastside Connect distributed over 5,000 farm boxes to families. The program officially concluded in November 2024, with its final distribution of 500 boxes.

Funded through various grants, including those provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the County of Santa Clara, California during the pandemic, Eastside Connect demonstrated the power of community-driven solutions to food insecurity. As we closed one chapter, we began another: in December 2024, we launched Del Campo a la Mesa (From Field to Table). This new program, funded by First 5, now delivers 100 farm boxes directly to families with children aged 0-5.

In addition to Del Campo a la Mesa, we’ve partnered with the California Association of Food Banks and Second Harvest of Silicon Valley to distribute 600 fresh, organic produce boxes to the broader community. These collaborations enable us to expand our reach and strengthen food access in East San Jose and beyond.

While challenges persist, our team remains steadfast in creating greater access to organic, healthy produce and advocating for stronger food security resources. Our Organizing and Advocacy team plays a key role in these efforts, working directly with community members to amplify their voices and address systemic issues.

One of our key initiatives is the Santa Clara County Resident Advisory Committee, where community members collaborate to set priorities, co-create solutions, and propose equitable and inclusive food-related policies. We believe meaningful change begins when community members are directly involved in shaping the future. Together, we can create a much greater positive impact than anyone can do alone.

By donating to Veggielution, you help sustain programs that ensure fresh, healthy food reaches those who need it most. Join us in building a stronger, more equitable community—every contribution matters. Donate at veggielution.org/donate

Join us for our Annual Handicraft and Art Fair this Saturday! Support local artists as they showcase and sell their uniq...
12/04/2024

Join us for our Annual Handicraft and Art Fair this Saturday! Support local artists as they showcase and sell their unique creations—perfect for finding holiday gifts. The fair runs from 10 AM to 1 PM and remember to bring cash!

🍅 Farmstand 10am-2pm
Visit our Farm Stand and pick up some farm-fresh veggies, fruits, and herbs for your kitchen.

💃 Zumba 11:00-11:30am
Move your body in our free Zumba class. Make sure to bring your water bottle.

🪴 Youth Garden 10am-12:30pm
Learn about worm compost with our new environmental education promotores!

🎟 Activity & Prizes! 10am-12:30pm
Participate in our activity to be entered into a raffle to win a 4 pack of tickets to see Shrek the Musical at Broadway San Jose. The show is on Wednesday, December 18th at 7pm for the show’s Family Night, which includes FREE pre-show activities for kids 18 and under starting at 5:30 p.m. and a post-show talkback with cast members. Thank you so much to Broadway San Jose for providing us with these complimentary tickets!

📚 Resources 10am-1pm
Learn about community resources for you and your family from local organizations!

No Cocina cooking class this month. Cocina returns on March 1st Saturday of 2025!!!

🐛🌱 Exploración del Compost de Lombriz 🌱🐛¡Únete a nosotros para una sesión práctica el 7 y 14 de dicembre de 10 AM - 12:3...
12/04/2024

🐛🌱 Exploración del Compost de Lombriz 🌱🐛

¡Únete a nosotros para una sesión práctica el 7 y 14 de dicembre de 10 AM - 12:30 PM en el Jardín de Jóvenes! Únete a nosotros para explorar el mundo del compost y descubrir el increíble papel que los gusanos de compost juegan en el enriquecimiento de nuestro suelo. 🪱

¡Esta sesión será en español! No se necesita experiencia. Solo trae tu curiosidad y amor por el jardín. 🌿

📍 Ubicación: 647 S King Rd, San Jose, CA
📅 23 de noviembre de 10 AM - 12:30 PM
🌤 Este evento ocurre llueva o haga sol
________

🐛🌱 Worm Compost Exploration 🌱🐛

Join us for a hands-on session on December 7 and 14 from 10 AM - 12:30 PM in the Youth Garden! Dive deep into the world of compost and discover the amazing role compost worms play in enriching our soil. 🪱

This workshop will be led by our Promotoras in Spanish—perfect for anyone looking to practice their language skills while learning something new! No experience needed. Just bring your curiosity and love for the garden. 🌿

📍 Location: 647 S King Rd, San Jose, CA
📅 November 23 from 10 AM - 12:30 PM
🌤 This event will be happening rain or shine

This Giving Tuesday, you have the opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact in East San Jose.Your support helps Ve...
12/03/2024

This Giving Tuesday, you have the opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact in East San Jose.

Your support helps Veggielution:
🍓 Provide nutritious produce to families facing food insecurity.
👩‍🍳 Empower food entrepreneurs with the skills to build businesses that strengthen our local economy.
⭐️ Create a resilient, connected community where every individual has the tools to thrive.

By supporting Veggielution, you’re not just donating to a farm – you’re investing in a movement that is building a healthier, more sustainable, and resilient future for East San Jose.

Will you join us in making this Giving Tuesday the most impactful yet? Donate now at www.veggielution.org/donate and help us transform East San Jose. Sí Se Puede!

Join us for our Annual Handicraft and Art Fair this Saturday! Support local artists as they showcase and sell their uniq...
12/02/2024

Join us for our Annual Handicraft and Art Fair this Saturday! Support local artists as they showcase and sell their unique creations—perfect for finding holiday gifts. The fair runs from 10 AM to 1 PM and remember to bring cash!

🍅 Farmstand 10am-2pm
Visit our Farm Stand and pick up some farm-fresh veggies, fruits, and herbs for your kitchen.

💃 Zumba 11:00-11:30am
Move your body in our free Zumba class. Make sure to bring your water bottle.

🪴 Youth Garden 10am-12:30pm
Explore the garden and help us plant vegetables in our raised beds!

🎟 Activity & Prizes! 10am-12:30pm
Participate in our activity to learn more about plant wildlife and be entered into a raffle to win great prizes!

📚 Resources 10am-1pm
Learn about community resources for you and your family from local organizations!

Our current Eastside Grown cohort has made significant progress over the past couple of months.Participants have learned...
11/30/2024

Our current Eastside Grown cohort has made significant progress over the past couple of months.

Participants have learned how to create a balanced, healthy plate with Fresh Approach, and are in the process of developing their business plans with support from Centro Community Partners. They’ve also been diving into content creation with Alejandro (aka Alex Knowbody) to share their unique business stories with the world.

A major highlight has been the new food system workshops, developed in collaboration with our Policy Director Fernando Fernandez Leiva and Maria Catalán from Catalán Family Farm 🌾. These workshops are bringing a transformational, values-driven approach to the new businesses that will graduate from the program, focusing on building a sustainable and impactful food system.

We're beyond proud of the participant’s dedication and growth — stay tuned for more updates!

Alejandra is one of eight new promotoras training to become environmental educators. Before joining the program, she was...
11/29/2024

Alejandra is one of eight new promotoras training to become environmental educators. Before joining the program, she was part of Eastside Connect, where she received a free weekly farm box. Alejandra first discovered Veggielution while visiting Emma Prusch Farm Park with her three children. She noticed many people leaving with boxes of fresh vegetables and asked how she could participate. That curiosity led her to become a recipient of the farm box program, which proved to be a lifeline for her family during the pandemic, especially when her husband was unemployed for more than three months.

Now, as she trains to become an environmental educator, Alejandra is excited to pursue her love of gardening while sharing her passion and newfound knowledge with the community. “You don’t get an opportunity like this to learn, have space to grow food, and try something new,” she said. One of the skills Alejandra is most excited about is composting—she’s learned how it can nurture the earth and sustainably manage food scraps.

Alejandra is also thrilled about the techniques she’s learned for engaging with children. She has discovered creative ways to involve kids in activities and the importance of patience and empathy, particularly when children experience tantrums. She shared that this training helped her recognize that children, like adults, experience frustration and stress. These lessons have positively impacted how she cares for her own children and others.

We’re honored to have supported Alejandra and her family over the years and are excited to see her journey as she grows into her new role as an environmental education promotora.

If stories like Lorena’s inspire you, consider donating to Veggielution to help us continue creating programs and opportunities that support our community. www.veggielution.org/donate

✨ This year, we proudly launched a new program called DORA—Eastside Development of Outdoor Recreation Advocates. ✨ This ...
11/28/2024

✨ This year, we proudly launched a new program called DORA—Eastside Development of Outdoor Recreation Advocates. ✨ This initiative is designed to educate East San Jose parents and children about the important role outdoor education and exploration play in supporting physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

As part of the program, our team is training 10 parents to become environmental education promotoras. These community leaders will guide fun, hands-on gardening and environmental activities as a way of inspiring others to connect with nature.

In addition, the promotoras will assess greenspaces, such as parks and trails, in the Mayfair neighborhood and provide recommendations to improve their safety and accessibility for everyone in the community.

If you’d like to support impactful programs like DORA, consider donating at veggielution.org/donate.

Check back tomorrow to hear from one of our amazing promotoras about her journey in the program!

The farm will be closed on November 30th for a holiday break! During this time, the Farmstand and Youth Garden will also...
11/27/2024

The farm will be closed on November 30th for a holiday break! During this time, the Farmstand and Youth Garden will also be closed.

We wish you a joyful and relaxing holiday!

We’re excited to launch our Winter Campaign early this year! This season, we invite you to explore how we’re building re...
11/23/2024

We’re excited to launch our Winter Campaign early this year! This season, we invite you to explore how we’re building resilience, fostering unity, and strengthening local power to ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

One meaningful way to join and support our movement is by making a donation. Together, we can protect our local food system, uplift food entrepreneurs, and support families. Visit www.veggielution.org/donate to contribute today!

As part of this campaign, stay tuned for inspiring stories and program highlights that showcase the impactful work we do.

We are proud to highlight the incredible leadership of two of our Organizing and Advocacy team members: Abigail and Fern...
11/22/2024

We are proud to highlight the incredible leadership of two of our Organizing and Advocacy team members: Abigail and Fernando. This team works to build community power and advocate for policies that create a more just, equitable, resilient, and sustainable food system in East San José.

This past year, they’ve been a part of Green Foothills, where they’ve gained professional development and strengthened their leadership. These experiences have helped them grow as environmental and food system leaders.

⭐️ Abigail joined the 2024 Green Foothills Leadership Program cohort, where she discovered a network of passionate environmental advocates across the Bay Area. As part of this program, she had the opportunity to work on a meaningful capstone project: “I partnered with two other cohort members who are cat lovers like me and we are currently working with Gatos de la Noche to Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) feral cats in Emma Prusch Farm Park. We call ourselves the ‘crazy cat ladies’!”

⭐️ Fernando currently serves as a board member of Green Foothills, and has gained valuable insights into the critical intersection of environmental conservation and community equity. He shares: “True environmental conservation must also be an act of justice—addressing systemic inequities and ensuring that all community members have a say in shaping their shared future. This aligns with my passion for fostering equitable communities.”

Abigail and Fernando exemplify how leadership and collaboration can drive meaningful change for our environment and community. 🌱

🐛🌱 Exploración del Compost de Lombriz 🌱🐛¡Únete a nosotros para una sesión práctica el  23 de noviembre de 10 AM - 12:30 ...
11/22/2024

🐛🌱 Exploración del Compost de Lombriz 🌱🐛

¡Únete a nosotros para una sesión práctica el 23 de noviembre de 10 AM - 12:30 PM en el Jardín de Jóvenes! Únete a nosotros para explorar el mundo del compost y descubrir el increíble papel que los gusanos de compost juegan en el enriquecimiento de nuestro suelo. 🪱

¡Esta sesión será en español! No se necesita experiencia. Solo trae tu curiosidad y amor por el jardín. 🌿

📍 Ubicación: 647 S King Rd, San Jose, CA
📅 23 de noviembre de 10 AM - 12:30 PM
🌤 Este evento ocurre llueva o haga sol
________

🐛🌱 Worm Compost Exploration 🌱🐛

Join us for a hands-on session on November 23 from 10 AM - 12:30 PM in the Youth Garden! Dive deep into the world of compost and discover the amazing role compost worms play in enriching our soil. 🪱

This workshop will be led by our Promotoras in Spanish—perfect for anyone looking to practice their language skills while learning something new! No experience needed. Just bring your curiosity and love for the garden. 🌿

📍 Location: 647 S King Rd, San Jose, CA
📅 November 23 from 10 AM - 12:30 PM
🌤 This event will be happening rain or shine

🎶 Are you a musician or singer looking to share your talent? Whether you play guitar, violin, another instrument, or lov...
11/20/2024

🎶 Are you a musician or singer looking to share your talent? Whether you play guitar, violin, another instrument, or love to sing, we want YOU to perform at our next First Saturday event!

📧 For more details, contact Solandyi at mailto:[email protected].

🦃 Come spend a few hours with the farm team packing farm boxes filled with fruits and veggies and a special holiday trea...
11/19/2024

🦃 Come spend a few hours with the farm team packing farm boxes filled with fruits and veggies and a special holiday treat for our community members! In place of regular, November 28 (Thursday) and November 29 (Friday) packing, we will pack farm boxes on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

🔗 Link in the bio to sign up.

Address

647 S King Road
San Jose, CA
95116

Opening Hours

Tuesday 8:30am - 12:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 12:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 12:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

Website

http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/veggielution/, http://www.twitter.com/Veggielution, http

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