Caja Solidaria

Caja Solidarias largest initiative in 2023 was our healthy food prescriptions by way of the Healthy Opportunities Pilot (HOP). All our prescriptions include a variety of seasonal and fresh produce, local regeneratively-grown meats, whole grains, seasonings, olive oil and local honey; selecting items that are culturally relevant to our participants. Our model is a free choice market wherein participants bring reusable bags to our pop-up markets or at their front door by way of our mobile markets and handpick the food their family will need for a week. We estimate 7 days worth of food to equal about 28 oz of protein, 14 oz whole grains, 9 cups of fruit and 12 cups of vegetables. We delivered 8,000 food boxes to 325 local families. We purchased $360k worth of food from local farms and vendors.

In addition to this core programming, we also facilitated Nutrition Education Classes using the foods we purchase. A Mutual Aid Program; sharing supplies and funding small urgent and emergent needs. And, we supported three Community Engagement Circles. These groups self-organize their activities around shared interests and needs including culturally relevant nutrition, financial literacy, parenting education, exercise and more.

In 2023, Caja Solidaria launched two new HOP programs: Essential Utility Assistance and Healthy Home Goods. We provided $7k in utility assistance to 17 families who were at risk of or had already had their water, gas, or electricity shut off. The Healthy Home Goods service provided participants with items known to eliminate health and safety risks to ensure that the living environment is not adversely affecting occupants health and safety. We purchased $28k worth of air filters, humidifiers, cleaning products, hypoallergenic bedding, non-toxic pest control and more for 46 families.