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.
Thank you Dr. Ross for impacting so many people and our community.
- Vida Mobile Clinic
Bob bravo! What a magnificent legacy!
My best,
- Anne
Dr. Ross,
The seeds you planted will bloom for generations to come!
Mil gracias from planned parenthood! We love you!
With deepest gratitude for all of your service, your love, & leadership. May you have abundant joy and connection and all good things.
- Sharon
Bob,
Don’t be a stranger.
Love you,
- Ray
Bob:
Thanks for 24 years of service to TCE and all Californians! Enjoy your new adventures!
Love you my brother! My homeboy. Wish you all the joy & happiness.
- Hector V. (Homeboy Industries)
Happy times and thanks for all you have done for me.
Thank you for doing the true work of a doctor… HEALING! I heard you speak early in my career and was very inspired. Thank you!
- Leslie Johnson (Community Coalition)
Bob -
“Dr. Ross” - thank you for your leadership, support, and contributions towards health equity and health justice.
With gratitude,
- Ignatius Bau
Bobbie -
May God continue to order your steps. He;s not finished with you yet.
Dr. Ross,
Thank you very much for all your efforts. You’ve planted many seeds and tended greatly to your community. I’m immensely grateful for your work. Take a moment to appreciate yourself. Thank you!
Dr. Ross,
You rock.
Thanks for everything!!! Best of luck!
Thank you for all your work!
- Olga (FBHC)
Thank you for all that you do. God bless.
Dr. Ross,
You instilled so much confidence in me by choosing me to be on the board. You truly have no idea about the trajectory my life will go on. Thank you immensely and I wish you all the best.
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