For most, one of the more difficult aspects that the pandemic has brought is social isolation. As we begin safely opening up our programs & classes, we are so grateful to be able to offer opportunities and space for our community to connect & create together!

Welcome Generation #21 of Cooking for Salud®!

Being our first in-person cohort since the start of the pandemic, we are excited to see more shining faces at the gardens! The National reach of "The Kitchenistas" film has sparked numerous panels & community discussions, and we are hopeful for what lies on the horizon; we want to thank & honor the leadership of all Kitchenistas®.

Through educational & engagement opportunities like Thriving Earth Exchange, monthly meetings and Zumba classes, Kitchenistas can stay connected while learning valuable skills.

To support youth leadership & engagement, we're launching our first Olivewood Gardens High School Clubhouse! As an opportunity to build community with peers, students will choose & lead activities monthly in the gardens.

Just in time for the season, we are excited to bring you Olivewood’s 2^nd Holiday Bazaar & Plant Sale!

Come enjoy the beautiful gardens while you shop from a selection of handcrafted artisanal wares made from Olivewood Kitchenistas and local small businesses. From a variety of Olivewood-grown plants, gifts for your favorite foodie, Olivewood gear, to locally handcrafted goods, you’ll find the perfect gifts to share with those you love. 

Last month we were able to host our first in-person field trip in over 18 months for Dimensions Collaborative School! The pandemic has created many challenges for students, teachers, and schools, and with constantly changing circumstances and protocol, we are thrilled to be reconnecting with students through Olivewood's Field Trip Program. While we listen to our community's specific needs during this time, we are developing curriculum and toolkits to support student & teacher's needs.

Olivewood believes that acknowledging and addressing institutionalized & systemic racism in our community is necessary for creating transformational change across all sectors. While we reflect and acknowledge inequitable practices in fundraising and philanthropy, we have been referencing Community-Centric Fundraising. The 10 core principles of community-centric fundraising address ways we can change the future of philanthropy!

Last week, we were thrilled to attend the first ever Annual Gathering for the San Diego County Food Vision 2030. This all-day, outdoor event held by San Diego Food System Alliance featured inspirational speakers, interactive sessions, open space for dialogue and networking, and local food.

Looking for another way to support?

Check out our volunteer opportunities & Amazon wishlist HERE!