The U.S. agricultural sector contributes more than $1 trillion to our economy and helps feed millions of families across the country. Yet many farmworkers, whose hard work is essential to putting fresh fruits and vegetables on our tables, lack access to sufficient food for their families and themselves.

Food Share of Ventura County was established in 1978 to distribute nutritious foods to individuals and families across the county. In 2022, they launched the Healthy Farmworker Program in collaboration with the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County to tackle the growing hunger crisis within the farmworker community.

A first-of-its-kind initiative, Food Share and the Food Bank of Santa Barbara County distribute boxes of fresh produce and culturally relevant foods, such as rice, beans, masa flour and oil, to farmworkers. They also collaborate closely with the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project to provide outreach and language access for Indigenous communities. Additional local partners provide logistics support, nutrition education, health screenings and resource navigation.

By leveraging the strengths and resources of its partners, the Healthy Farmworker Program delivers more than 300,000 pounds of food annually to approximately 15,000 farmworkers in Ventura County through mobile pantries and worksite deliveries, which are timed to sync with their work schedules.

“Farmworkers earn among the lowest wages in the country. With rising prices for everyday goods and housing, and the seasonal nature of their work, many of them face an impossible choice: whether to pay the rent, meet a healthcare need or buy sufficient food,” said Monica White, President and CEO of Food Share of Ventura County.

“The Healthy Farmworker Program has become a trusted source of support that is helping to ease some of the burdens local farmworkers face. Our program has been highlighted by Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization. We’ve been sharing lessons learned with affiliate members and other food bank advisory boards as we broaden our mission to lead the fight against hunger.”

2025 Social Impact Award Recipient

Healthy Farmworker Program

ORGANIZATION
Food Share of Ventura County

PROGRAM
Healthy Farmworker Program

PARTNERS

• Foodbank of Santa Barbara County
• Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project
• Nearly 200 food pantries, grocery stores, food growers and funding partners

“Every family we serve is well below the poverty level. When you provide nutritious food, that keeps the electricity on. Food Share is not just a food bank, it is an emergency responder.”
—Food Share Pantry Partner

CONTACT INFORMATION
Food Share of Ventura County
4156 Southbank Avenue
Oxnard, CA 93036
805.983.7100 x111
foodshare.com

Monica White
President and Chief Executive Officer
mwhite@foodshare.com