Building Cultural Resilience and Health in Fresno, California

PHI’s Cultiva La Salud improved the food environment in Fresno CA, converting existing food vendors in the city’s food deserts into healthy food vendors for the Latino community—including outfitting vendors with new bicycle carts.

By removing unhealthy food while increasing access to healthy options, the project promoted healthier diets and ultimately helped reduce the onset of chronic disease. The mobile vendors now sell freshly-cut fruits, vegetables and other healthy options, share nutrition information and connect residents to supplemental nutrition programs. They serve as health champions in their community by providing access to healthy foods, but also act as role models for biking and as ambassadors linking business to public health and prevention. 

The initiative garnered Cultiva La Salud a win in the state’s Let’s Get Healthy California Innovation Challenge.