Healthy Food to Change Lives
Those who know me know what a locavore I am. For the past 20+ years, you have always been able to find me at a farmer’s market – buying and even selling. Health has always been a passion of mine, and prior to starting in real estate, I founded the popular organic cereal brand, Traci’s Gourmet Granola. I started it at a local farmer’s market and grew it into a successful nationwide brand. My experience created so much joy for me – introducing people to a healthy, heart smart option, inspiring them to live an active life, and getting to know the dedicated farmers at the market who wake up before sunrise to bring us the freshest fruits and vegetables. It was truly a labor of love.
As fate would have it, I was reconnected with one of these farmers many years after I stopped selling my granola. County Line Harvest began as six acres of farmland on the Sonoma-Marin County line in California. Today, they farm 35 acres in Petaluma year-round, and 120 acres in Thermal over the winter season. During COVID, they have teamed up with Community Partners to offer CSA Farm Boxes for pickup at local businesses – featuring a variety of specialty organic seasonal produce including heirloom lettuces and salad greens, sautéed greens, baby root vegetables, hearty winter vegetables, summer hot crops, and more. I’m so lucky to have access to this hand harvested produce, especially at a time when health is now more important than ever. Unfortunately, not everyone does.
When it comes to health for low-income families, it’s not just about giving enough food, it’s about giving the right nutrient-dense food. Healthy fruits and vegetables can help prevent diet-related illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. But, when you are living paycheck to paycheck, they are often replaced with inexpensive processed foods. I believe we can help change that. Through my collaboration with County Line Harvest, a percentage of all sales will go directly to purchase CSA Farm Boxes, filled with nutritious fruits and vegetables, that will be donated to organizations that are helping to alleviate nutrition insecurity throughout the Los Angeles area. Healthy food has the power to change people’s lives, especially those who need it most. And I hope you join us on our mission to do some good.