“Cal-Fresh helped us put food on the table and Champions for Change provided me with the education, tools and resources to make sure we live healthy lives” – Mireya Garcia Vega
Mireya, right, participating in a Champions for Change garden workshop.
Mireya Garcia Vega was one of millions of Americans affected by food insecurity. With her husband losing his job, the passing of her mother, losing their home, and giving birth, she found herself overwhelmed with sadness and fear. She was hesitant to apply for Cal-Fresh because of the myths associated with this program. After weeks of receiving encouragement from her friend to apply, Mireya finally decided to overcome her fear and submit the application.“Cal-Fresh saved our lives, this program helped our family in many ways” states Mireya.
She shared that Cal-Fresh alleviated a financial burden and she didn’t have to worry frequently about how she was going to feed her family. She had more time to participate in her daughter’s school activities, community events, advocate for healthier communities, and attend Champions for Change workshops to enhance her nutritional and physical activity knowledge.
“Thanks to NEVHC’s Champions for Change workshops, I’m able to educate my daughters on the importance of eating healthy and being active” states Mireya. She shared that her daughters have increased their fruit and vegetable consumption and drastically decreased their sugary beverage intake such as soda and juice. “They always ask for water, so now I have to make sure I have water with me at all times,” shares Mireya.
Mireya, right, at a grocery store tour with the Champions for Change program.
NEVHC’s Champions for Change is a USDA SNAP-Ed funded program that aims to provide nutrition education and obesity prevention in underserved communities. To see a schedule and register for Champions for Change activities, follow them on Instagram at @nevhc_champions_for_change or contact Denise Torres, MPH, CHES, Champions for Change Program Manager at (818) 898-1388 x42053 or at DeniseTorres@NEVHC.org.
