Lia Jones

This photo depicts aspects of a nonprofit food and nature-based education program for students in Santa Cruz County. Santa Cruz County is very high in agricultural production. However, Watsonville is federally identified as a food desert. Despite this, the Watsonville community is evidence that through compassion and partnership, health for all is possible. From my time here in Santa Cruz County, I’ve learned about inspiring grass-root health community centers, heard stories from children excitedly sharing the similarities between Monarch butterfly migration and their family’s migration to California, and spoken to selfless advocates who will do everything it takes to help care for the community.