Poppy is our box trailer that serves as a mobile farm stand / mesa communitaria initiative offering fresh, chemical-free produce to vulnerable populations in a socially supportive environment that promotes learning and healthy eating habits. Participants include those whose economic, health-related, or social circumstances make them likely to experience hunger or inadequate nutrition and who rely on free food assistance to meet their basic needs.

We serve food-insecure communities, primarily farmworkers, domestic employees, seniors, and service workers, on weekends when food pantries and banks, and meal programs are closed. Customers shop shelves on the interior walls. The price we charge for filling a bag is $2.00 because the working people we collaborate with are not interested in a handout.

Alongside Poppy, we offer healthy food preparation hands-on activities, and kids’ craft projects in English and Spanish. The hands-on activities include a canopy for shade and chairs and tables for making and socializing.

• Health – Many service work individuals juggle multiple jobs or long hours; families may turn to fast food, takeout, or prepared foods that are quicker to prepare and less nutritious.
• Nutrition – We offer hands-on activities on healthy and doable food after a long day at work.
• Healthy Living – We offer fresh produce based on popular meals like soups, stews, and one-pot meals, with instructions anyone in the household can follow.

Planned Outcomes

• More participants regularly obtain affordable, chemical-free fruits and vegetables.
• More individuals and families from food-insecure and underserved groups participate.
• Participants report greater food security on weekends when food assistance is unavailable.
• High levels of satisfaction with the quality, affordability, and experience of the mobile pantry and learning center.
• Reductions in food insecurity, such as fewer skipped meals or increased ability to provide balanced meals at home.
• Participants report using all or most of the produce and ingredients received from the mobile pantry.

• Participants demonstrate an increased understanding of healthy eating and the benefits of fresh produce.
• Participants gain confidence and practical skills in preparing healthy, affordable meals using distributed produce.
• Children and adults actively participate in cooking demonstrations, food tastings, and nutrition-related crafts.
• Participants report or demonstrate making healthier food choices at home.
• Families use recipes and cooking techniques learned through the program.

• The project fosters a welcoming environment where participants feel respected and valued.
• Participants become more aware of other local food, health, and social services through project partnerships and referrals.
• Strong collaborations with local organizations, schools, and businesses that support ongoing outreach and service delivery.

• The project develops best practices and a replicable model for serving rural, food-insecure communities.
• The project develops ROI processes and recommendations for scale.
• The project develops and shares a detailed plan for other organizations to adopt and adapt.
• These outcomes provide a comprehensive framework for measuring the project’s impact on access, knowledge, behavior, community well-being, and long-term sustainability.