18 Reasons

** AWARDS ISSUED PRIOR TO JANUARY 20, 2025, WERE FUNDED UNDER PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATIONS AND MAY NOT REFLECT THE PRIORITIES AND POLICIES OF THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION.** THE NOURISHING PREGNANCY PROGRAM WILL PROVIDE FREE WEEKLY GROCERY DELIVERY, FREE WEEKLY COOKING CLASSES, AND FREE PEER SUPPORT OVER THE COURSE OF FOUR MONTHS TO LOW-INCOME PREGNANT BLACK AND LATINX PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES IN SAN FRANCISCO. 23% OF PREGNANT PEOPLE IN THESE COMMUNITIES CURRENTLY EXPERIENCE FOOD INSECURITY. BY SOURCING LOCAL FOOD, CREATING A CONVENIENT WAY FOR FAMILIES TO ACCESS IT, AND INCORPORATING FOOD SKILLS EDUCATION, NOURISHING PREGNANCY HELPS ACHIEVE THE USDA'S GOAL TO PROVIDE ALL AMERICANS ACCESS TO A SAFE, NUTRITIOUS AND SECURE FOOD SUPPLYOVER THE FOUR YEARS OF THE GRANT PERIOD, OUR PROJECT WILL EVOLVE TO INCLUDE COMMUNITY MEAL PREPARATION AND DELIVERY THAT WILL SUPPORT FAMILIES IN THE EARLY POSTPARTUM DAYS WHILE PROVIDING JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMUNITY RESIDENTS. 18 REASONS WILL ALSO CONNECT PARTICIPANTS WITH ADDITIONAL SERVICES INCLUDING FEDERAL FOOD BENEFITS AND LOCAL PRODUCE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS.OVER THE FOUR YEARS OF THE PROGRAM, NEARLY 2,000 GRADUATES OF NOURISHING PREGNANCY WILL REPORT POSITIVE BEHAVIOR CHANGES INCLUDING EATING MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES, COOKING MORE MEALS AT HOME, AND STRETCHING THEIR FOOD BUDGETS FARTHER. GRADUATES WILL REPORT MORE FULL-TERM BIRTHS AND HEALTHY BIRTH WEIGHTS (AT LEAST 90%) THAN THE AVERAGE BLACK OR LATINX MOTHER IN SAN FRANCISCO (86%). WE ARE INTERESTED TO LEARN HOW OUR PROGRAM AFFECTS OTHER PREGNANCY COMPLICATIONS AND BIRTH OUTCOMES SUCH AS GESTATIONAL DIABETES, PREECLAMPSIA, BREASTFEEDING SUCCESS, AND PERIPARTUM MOOD DISORDERS; WE WILL WORK WITH PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS, EXTERNAL EVALUATORS, AND PARTICIPATING FAMILIES TO DETERMINE HOW TO BEST MEASURE THESE OUTCOMES.

18 REASONS CAF AND CANNERY

THE PURPOSE OF THIS PROJECT IS TO DEVELOP A BUSINESS PLAN, FEASIBILITY STUDY, BUDGET, AND PROGRAM PLAN FOR A NEW TEACHING KITCHEN AND FOOD HUB THAT WILL PROVIDE JOB TRAINING, EMPLOYMENT, FOOD ACCESS AND FOOD EDUCATION PROGRAMMING TO A WIDE VARIETY OF BAY AREA RESIDENTS, INCLUDING LOW-INCOME FAMILIES. 18 REASONS IS A NONPROFIT WITH A 15 YEAR HISTORY OF DEVELOPING AND DELIVERING PROGRAMMING THAT INCREASES FOOD SECURITY, CULINARY SKILLS, AND NUTRITION KNOWLEDGE, WHILE DISTRIBUTING AND USING IN OUR EDUCATION PROGRAMS OVER 100,000 POUNDS OF LOCALLY-GROWN PRODUCE EACH YEAR. 18 REASONS WILL WORK WITH LINDA ESPOSITO, A LOCAL CHEF AND CONSULTANT WHO SPECIALIZES IN DEVELOPING FOOD HUBS AND MARKETS, TO DEVELOP THE PROJECT. SHE WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH 18 REASONS STAFF MEMBERS TO CONDUCT RESEARCH AND DEVELOP A FEASIBILITY STUDY AND BUSINESS PLAN. 18 REASONS WILL ALSO DEVELOP A LONG-TERM BUDGET FOR THE PROJECTS IMPLEMENTATION.BENEFICIARIES OF THE EVENTUAL IMPLEMENTATION PHASE OF THE PROJECT INCLUDE LOCAL FARMERS, RANCHERS, AND FOOD PRODUCERS, PEOPLE WHO PARTICIPATE IN FOOD EDUCATION PROGRAMS, LOW-INCOME COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO ARE TRAINED AND HIRED BY 18 REASONS AS EDUCATORS, AND LOW-INCOME COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO RECEIVE FREE FRESH FOOD THROUGH OUR PROGRAMS.THE NEW TEACHING KITCHEN AND FOOD HUB WILL DOUBLE THE REACH OF 18 REASONS PROGRAMS AND SUPPORTS THE USDAS GOAL TO ENGAGE AS INTERMEDIARIES IN INDIRECT PRODUCER-TO-CONSUMER MARKETING TO INCREASE ACCESS TO AND AVAILABILITY OF LOCALLY AND REGIONALLY PRODUCED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS BY SOURCING PRODUCE DIRECTLY FROM LOCAL FARMERS FOR USE IN FOOD EDUCATION AND FOOD ACCESS PROGRAMS.

18 REASONS CAFC) AND CANNERY