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
Dr. Ross,
Wish you peace and reflective joy brother.
- Efrain Escobedo
The force is strong in our family.
- D. Wash
Dr. Ross! You are a blessing and have changed the world we live in. Thank you.
- H.S.F.
Congratulations on a wonderful 24 years of impact! May God bless you and keep you!
Dr. Ross,
Deep gratitude for your leadership and commitment to equity and justice.
Dr. Ross! Congrats on your transition. I am grateful for the opportunity to have grown up with your support. You inspired me to chase my dreams.
- Corleone (BMoC)
Dr. Ross,
Wishing you special times with your daughter. Relax and enjoy the beach.
Love,
- Marie P.
Congratulations Dr. Ross (aka 007) on 24 years of making a change in CA’s future.
Best,
- Dolores Estrada
Wishing you health and happiness in your well deserved retirement.
Dr. Ross!
You are fantastic!
Dr. Ross -
I want to thank and appreciate you for being an advocate for our most underserved communities and our boys of color. It is with deep gratitude that I can say that your investments have given me a career and supported my healing journey.
- Omar Torres
Your words at the Liberty Hill dinner always stuck with me and I continue to share the message today.
Thank you,
- Darryl
Dr. Ross,
I hope you have some amazing adventures planned. Enjoy!
- Andrea Williams (Southside Coalition)
Job well done! Now it’s time to take some ‘bob’ time. We love and appreciate you!
- Arnold & Karen Perkins
Wishing you a happy and blessed retirement.
Love,
- David & Pei
Bob,
We wish you good health, adventure, and lots of love in your life’s journey.
- Julie & Pete Brown
You are a big inspiration for this world! Thank you!
You are an inspiration! Thank you for everything.
- Ted
I wish you all the best. Hopefully I will see you around the bowl more!
- Virginia Mosqueda
Dear Dr. Ross,
Wishing you joy, peace, and more free time than you know what to do with. I love you!
- Marc P.
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