Since 1992, The Food Trust has been working to ensure that everyone has access to affordable, nutritious food and information to make healthy decisions. Working with neighborhoods, schools, grocers, farmers and policymakers, The Food Trust has developed a comprehensive approach to improved food access that combines nutrition education and greater availability of affordable, healthy food.

The Food Trust – then known as The Farmers’ Market Trust, an off-shoot of Philadelphia’s venerable Reading Terminal Market – began with one farmers market at Tasker Homes, a public housing development in South Philadelphia. Once a week, with the help of the Tasker Homes Tenant Council, they set up one long table overflowing with produce. It was the only source of fresh fruits and vegetables in the community.

In the 25 years since, The Food Trust has grown significantly. From small farm stands, the organization went on to work with farmers markets, corner stores, supermarkets and mobile food vendors. From field trips to Reading Terminal Market, its nutrition education program expanded into schools and community centers, reaching everyone from infants to seniors. And from Philadelphia, the organization’s efforts have reached across the United States and beyond.

  
   
   
   
   
   
   
  Founded in 1987, Drueding Center provides transitional housing and comprehensive support services for homeless women and children. One of the cornerstones of our success is the ability to improve the quality of life for our women and children by promoting the importance of healthy eating and physical activity through our life skills program. Upon arrival, our families are introduced to a healthier way of living. While our mothers are learning the necessary skills in a workshop that teaches shopping strategy with healthy meal plans and preparation guides, our children are being active in a class teaching them karate, dance or yoga.

At Drueding Center, we are working to fight childhood obesity by educating our mothers on the dangers of unhealthy foods, helping to modify behaviors by highlighting alternatives, and reinforcing new habits by offering opportunities to exercise. Our mothers are making the connection between proper nourishment and the alleviation and prevention of common health problems. A healthy diet and proper nutritional education help to protect children at Drueding from life-threatening risks that childhood obesity can lead to, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Awareness and education are the first steps to the next generation of healthier children and families.