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
Thank you for your leadership and keeping justice at the center of LA philanthropy!
Dr. Ross,
Wish you peace and reflective joy brother.
- Efrain Escobedo
Dr. Ross,
Thank you for all your hard work. Wishing you tons of reset and peace, Dr. Ross.
- Nancy Nunez
Bob -
With huge appreciation for an example of excellence, humility, and grace.
Best wishes.
Dr. Ross,
I hope this next chapter fills you up as you get to witness the work and people you have nurtured for all these years.
All the best to the world’s greatest boss & mentor. Thank you for your leadership, advice, and support these last 16 years!
- Dan DeLeon
Dr. Ross -
Wishing you abundance in this next chapter! Thank you for your infinite sacrifices for justice.
- Sonya Diaz
It’s been a blessing to us and the movement to have you. Wishing you lots of love in your next chapter.
Bob -
“Dr. Ross” - thank you for your leadership, support, and contributions towards health equity and health justice.
With gratitude,
- Ignatius Bau
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)
Dr. Ross,
Wishing you a magical abundant retirement.
- Nikki
Job well done! Now it’s time to take some ‘bob’ time. We love and appreciate you!
- Arnold & Karen Perkins
Dr. Ross -
I learned so much from you and loved working together on op-eds, etc… After a break, I think you have a book in you.
Celebrate your new life!!
Our very best,
- Lew & Mary
Bobbie -
May God continue to order your steps. He;s not finished with you yet.
Dr. Ross,
You rock.
Dearest Bob,
Thank you for the opportunity of a lifetime to work with you! An honor and a privilege.
Love always.
Hey Bob!
Best wishes for what’s next! Love you!
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