July 31, 2020
Olivewood Partners with SANDAG to Assess National City's Transit Needs
Friend,

Last year, we enjoyed the hustle and bustle of Dinners at Dusk, Kitchenista workshops, and our annual Day of Play. And today, we are hosting virtual dinners and Kitchenista classes, distributing thousands of pounds of food at our weekly produce stand, and will host our first-ever live-streamed Day of Play.

How times have changed.

While things may look different this year, Olivewood's mission and values remain steadfast. Friend , w e are grateful for your support in keeping our community connected during COVID-19 – to healthy food, to each other, and to the community at-large.

One project our team is particularly excited about right now is a contracted community based organization partnership with SANDAG to do outreach for the Regional Transit Plan. It's been in the works for the past two years and will help uplift the voices of communities like National City to ensure equity is a focal point in transit and planning-related decision-making.

Our outreach efforts include presentations and focus groups with Kitchenistas and other local residents, activities and information booths at local community events, and collaboration with other nonprofits. Plus, we are currently embarking on a community needs assessment, focusing on active transportation (walking, biking) in Census-designated areas in National City.

While Olivewood's main mission focuses on health and the environment, access to local resources and areas for physical activity are key elements to healthy communities!


– Jen Nation, Executive Director, Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center
Taco Thursday Starts Tonight, July 30, at 5PM!
In partnership with the Live Well San Diego 5K & Fitness Challenge , we are hosting a live family-friendly cooking class for you. Join Olivewood's Nutrition Educator Rebecca to learn how to make our famous veggie tacos with tomatillo salsa. 'See' you there!
Join Our Virtual Day of Play, Saturday, August 1
Join us for the first-ever virtual Day of Play this Saturday, and get hands-on gardening and cooking lessons directly from our Kitchenistas and local partner organizations. What do you say, Friend – will we see you there?
Updates from the Garden
Cultivating Conversations Through Food Facebook Live Series is Back on Wednesday August 5
Next week, we are sitting down with Dr. Sabrina Falquier of SensationsSalud and Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group to discuss how we can honor and uplift cultural traditions through food. It's all happening on our Facebook Live on August 5 at 12 p.m. PDT; RSVP now before it's too late.
Join Olivewood's Book Club – " Farming While Black "
We had a wonderful first meeting for Olivewood's book club a couple of weeks ago - discussing our personal experiences with gardening, farming, and food justice; how systemic racism shows up in the food system; and action steps we can take as individuals to be active players in achieving justice in our communities. If you missed the first meeting, fear not! You can still join us for the second meeting when we will discuss the second half of the book. Join our Zoom meeting on August 13 at 5:30 p.m. PDT to connect, reflect, and identify opportunities for personal action.
What is Your Vision for San Diego's Food System?
Now is the time to reimagine and rebuild our food system. Join Olivewood and the San Diego Food System Alliance for Food Vision 2030. This campaign aims to build a shared vision for San Diego's food system—one that includes your voice. If you are a National City resident, please share your vision at the link below. If you live elsewhere in the County, navigate to the website homepage to share your ideas!
Edible San Diego Names Olivewood One of The Nonprofits Creating Lasting Change
This month, Olivewood was featured in Edible San Diego's spotlight on "Cultivating Food Justice for Social Justice" as well as our digital shift to keeping communities engaged and healthy during COVID-19.
Lower Your Home Energy Use and Costs
Our friends at SDG&E have tips on keeping cool while saving a few bucks. Embrace the sun, lower your energy bill and help your community stay cleaner and greener.
Get social with us @OlivewoodGardens