Increasing access to healthy food for all Sonoma County residents is a priority for Health Action.

In addition to the many home, school and community gardens that are sprouting up around the county, we support community efforts to increase access to affordable fresh produce for all residents and in all neighborhoods, schools and worksites in Sonoma County.

Healthy Food Options in Restaurants and Markets

Many local markets and restaurants are working to improve their selection of fresh and healthy produce. You can speak to your local market or restaurant about the types of produce and healthy choices that you would like to see in your neighborhood.

• Smart Meal Restaurants: The Smart Meal Program is a pilot project that establishes nutrition requirements specifically designed for restaurant meals (including delis). Restaurants showcase entrees that are lower in fat, calories, and sodium and include components such as grains, fruits, and vegetables by highlighting them with the Smart Meal™ Seal. Click here for more information on the Smart Meal project. Contact Smart Meal Staff if you are interested in working with restaurants in your neighborhood to offer Smart Meals.
• Healthy Food Outlets: The Healthy Food Outlet Project was created to help food outlets (small markets, grocery stores, and supermarkets) provide customers with healthy food options, fresh produce, and healthy food advertising in stores. Click here for more information on the Healthy Food Outlet Project. Contact Project Staff if you are interested in helping a food outlet in your neighborhood become a Healthy Food Outlet.

Community Supported Agriculture

A growing number of local farmers are interested in bringing their fresh, healthy produce directly from their farm to you – either to your home, worksite, or a drop-off point in your neighborhood. This is known as Community Supported Agriculture or CSA.

Many CSA’s are willing to work with a group of neighbors or fellow employees to develop convenient delivery locations and options. Click here to see a list of farmers that offer CSA programs in Sonoma County.

Farmers’ Markets

Farmers’ Markets are another source of healthy produce and have been popping up all over Sonoma County. Click here to see a list of farmers markets in Sonoma County.

Low-Cost and Free Food

You can find information on Emergency Food Resources on the 2-1-1 website.

Click on the “Food” category for a listing of local organizations that provide low-cost and free food.

WIC Applications

WIC is a nutrition program that helps mothers and young children eat well and stay healthy. Click here to find out if your family is income eligible for WIC and to take an online eligibility test.

CalFresh Applications (formerly Food Stamps)

http://www.myfoodstamps.org/sonoma.html
To apply for CalFresh in Sonoma County, please call 2-1-1, (707) 565-2715 or 1-800-331-2278, or go to the Sonoma County Human Services Department located at 2550 Paulin Drive, Santa Rosa, CA. You may also apply for food stamps online at www.benefitscalwin.com.

School Meal Programs

Many schools offer free- or reduced-priced meal programs that offer affordable, healthy food for school children. Check with your school office to get an application and to see if your child is eligible for this program.

Please contact info@igrowsonoma.org to add or update information on food resources in Sonoma County.