Childhood Obesity & Freshworks
One of our early social determinants of health investments, inclusive of an innovative financing model to expand fresh food access in neighborhoods.
More than one million Californians, many in low-income communities, live without access to grocery stores, or other sources of fresh and healthy food. The lack of fresh produce and other nutritious food in a family diet, which is often replaced by cheap processed or fast food, negatively impacts community health.
Freshworks invested in projects that increase healthy food access in a variety of ways. This included traditional retail, as well as production, distribution, food hubs, aggregators, institutional buying programs, and other solutions to the issue of limited food access.
A network of lenders provided flexible capital to healthy food enterprises that are often unable to receive credit from traditional sources. Our lending was supported by technical assistance grants that helped build capacity, as well as a credit enhancement program that helped our lenders take additional risk.
Freshworks partnered with businesses that used our financial tools to make a positive difference in the target communities. We evaluated applicants on their business plan and financial strength, as well as the following goals:
- Healthy Food Access: Increase access to healthy food for residents of low-income, low-access communities
- Economic Development: Spur job creation and inclusive economic development
- Racial & Social Equity: Ensure equitable access to food, ownership, and jobs
- Environmental Stewardship: Encourage sustainable environmental practices
- Local Sourcing: Build a sustainable California food system that increases availability of locally grown or produced foods
-
$272M
to expand access to fresh fruits, vegetables and nutritious foods in neighborhoods where they were lacking -
5 year
commitment -
6,000
jobs created
“Health happens in our neighborhoods. Families can’t eat healthier food if they can’t buy it where they live. The sheer number of banks and other investors involved proves that this is not only the right thing to do to improve the health of our communities, but it’s financially attractive. The more than a dozen partners who made it happen should be congratulated for their vision and collaboration.”
DR. ROBERT K. ROSS President & CEO, The California Endowment
Browse Other Changes Planted by Dr. Ross
Building Healthy Communities $1B invested over 10 years
Health4All 38.6 million lives impacted
Youth Awards 37 total awards given
Schools Not Prisons & BMOC Millions reached since 2016
Farmworker Health $50M initiative
TCE Grant Making 2023 $381M awarded
Parks for All Hundreds of millions leveraged for parks investments in CA
Youth on the Board 1st of large foundations in US to have youth on the board
CHIS 20,000 households interviewed annually to find health gaps in CA
Kids Health Coverage Campaign $4M to help enroll children in health programs
Cultural Competency/Health Workforce/PRIME $78.2M to CA organizations working to boost the size and diversity of the state's healthcare workforce
TCE Headquarters 125,000+ use our facilities every year
Wishing Wall
Miyihah-Tlakilte Dr. Ross -
On behalf of Anawakalmekak and the Gabrielino shoshone nation. Much love on your journey.
Best wishes, Dr. Ross! I hope your days are filled with all the things that make you happy.
Bob bravo! What a magnificent legacy!
My best,
- Anne
Thank you for believing in us and the opportunities your faith in us have afforded so many. We wish tenfold those blessings on you.
- Alf LaMont
Dr. Ross,
The seeds you planted will bloom for generations to come!
Dr. Ross -
The man who helped me to dream in decades! Thank you for your leadership and example of courage. You’ve made us all better!
- Kaci Patterson
With deepest gratitude for all of your service, your love, & leadership. May you have abundant joy and connection and all good things.
- Sharon
Dang Bob! You really leaving? You really reading all this good stuff?! Ok man! Among so many of the things I already said, you baaaad, Dude. Much love!
Dr. Ross,
Thank you for all your hard work. Wishing you tons of reset and peace, Dr. Ross.
- Nancy Nunez
Dr. Ross -
Wishing you abundance in this next chapter! Thank you for your infinite sacrifices for justice.
- Sonya Diaz
Congratulations Dr. Ross (aka 007) on 24 years of making a change in CA’s future.
Best,
- Dolores Estrada
Bob -
It’s been an honor to work with you through the years. Love you very much!
Thank you for all the great work bringing health and wellness to California.
- Alan Pullman
Dearest Bob,
I will forever appreciate how you have welcomed and vouched for me in philanthropy. And there’s still time for you to get us that $5mil!
- Shane
Celebrate your new life!!
Our very best,
- Lew & Mary
For many years, I have known how special you are! Thanks.
I wish that you receive as much as you’ve provided to so many.
Much love,
- Steve Delgado
Hey Bob!
Best wishes for what’s next! Love you!
A tu salud! Con cariño y respeto.
RKR - sooooo wonderful to gather this evening to celebrate you! The honor and privilege of knowing you is more than I can describe. Hoping we will be sure to connect as you go.
Unveiling Our
2025 Annual
Report
The California Endowment is proud to present our 2025 annual report. Read about the work we are supporting and our partners who are changing California to a state of belonging and inclusion.
View Report