FoodWhat

FoodWhat Through FoodWhat, youth say they find healing, inspiration, and family. We use a graduated leadership model from Spring to Summer to Fall.
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FoodWhat is a safe space where youth use their strength to access opportunities that lead to radical diet change, critical job training, personal growth and more. “Food, What?!” programs are held on our half-acre organic farm and in Watsonville through a partnership with Live Earth Farm. “Food, What?!” operates year round and offers three major seasons of youth programming. There is a 12-week Spri

ng Internship serving 52 youth, a full time Summer Job employing 22 youth, and 12 youth continue on in the fall running different projects on the farm and in the community. These opportunities include components in leadership training (with a focus on communication, responsibility, and transferable job skills), organic farming and gardening, cooking and basic nutrition, entrepreneurship/business, and social justice work. We spend part of our time with our hands in the soil, part time participating in empowerment and skill-based workshops, and part of our time working to serve the greater community. Through all that we do, healthy, inspiring food is at the center.

08/18/2026

Good afternoon everybody! We hope that you are all having a wonderful day so far!☀️

This is a quick reminder that the FoodWhat farm stand is still happening every Wednesday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm at 530 Palm Avenue Watsonville, CA 95076. The farm stand will have a huge variety of organic vegetables to choose from! This produce is grown and harvested with much love & care by local youth. 💛

A huge part of FoodWhat is giving back to the community, which is why our produce is sold at an affordable price of $1 per bunch or $1 per pound.

We hope to see you there! ☺️

IMPORTANT NOTE: Farm stand unfortunately will NOT be open August 26th.
🌻

Post edited by FoodWhat Jr staff: Alexa Bitanga & Alex Ramos.

¡Buenas tardes a todos! ¡Esperamos que estén teniendo un día maravilloso! ☀️

Les recordamos que el puesto de venta de productos agrícolas de FoodWhat sigue funcionando todos los miércoles, de 3:30 p. m. a 5:30 p. m., en el 530 de Palm Avenue, Watsonville, CA 95076. ¡Habrá una gran variedad de verduras orgánicas para elegir! Estos productos son cultivados y cosechados con mucho amor y esmero por jóvenes de la localidad. 💛

Una parte fundamental de FoodWhat es retribuir a la comunidad; por eso, vendemos nuestros productos a un precio accesible: $1 por manojo o $1 por libra.

¡Esperamos verlos allí! ☺️

NOTA IMPORTANTE: Lamentablemente, el puesto de venta NO abrirá el 26 de agosto. 🌻

Publicación editada por el equipo juvenil de Comunicaciones de FoodWhat: Alexa Bitanga y Alex Ramos.
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BREATHE IN…BREATHE OUT…RELAX…😌Last Workshop of the Summer: SoundbathWe ended our summer workshop with just a little time...
08/16/2026

BREATHE IN…BREATHE OUT…RELAX…😌

Last Workshop of the Summer: Soundbath

We ended our summer workshop with just a little time to slow down🧘‍♂️, breathe🧘, and relax🧘‍♀️. Our ears were blessed with the calming sounds of the instruments played by Tara Kemp ☺️

We are so grateful to have shared this beautiful experience and the gift of sound with everyone. Thank you for helping us end the summer on such a peaceful note 🎶🎶🎶.

Post edited by FoodWhat Jr staff Communications team: Alexa Bitanga & Alex Ramos.

INHALA… EXHALA… RELÁJATE… 😌

Último taller del verano: Baño de sonido Cerramos nuestros talleres de verano tomándonos un momento para bajar el ritmo 🧘‍♂️, respirar 🧘 y relajarnos 🧘‍♀️. Nuestros oídos disfrutaron de los sonidos relajantes de los instrumentos interpretados por Tara Kemp ☺️.

Estamos muy agradecidos de haber compartido esta hermosa experiencia y el regalo del sonido con todos ustedes. Gracias por ayudarnos a terminar el verano con tanta paz 🎶🎶🎶.

Publicación editada por el equipo juvenil de Comunicaciones de FoodWhat: Alexa Bitanga y Alex Ramos.
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Ready, set, surf! 🏄‍♂️🏄‍♀️Truly, the ocean has a way of bringing people together.Last week, FW youth had the chance to e...
08/09/2026

Ready, set, surf! 🏄‍♂️🏄‍♀️

Truly, the ocean has a way of bringing people together.

Last week, FW youth had the chance to explore the ocean and catch the waves alongside surfing instructors and volunteers at Manresa State Beach. Before heading into the water, youth got their wetsuits then after that, they joined a little orientation about ocean safety and surfing basics. Surfing instructors reminded the youth with the famous Hawaiian surfing quote, “Never turn your back on the ocean.” While some youth were out on the water surfing, other youth were on the sand relaxing🏖️, enjoying the sun☀️, and playing volleyball 🏐. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed lunch together 🌭🍓🍉🍍🥭.

Thank you to all the surfing instructors, volunteers, Watsonville Wetlands Watch , and Growing True Leaves for making this day possible and unforgettable.

Until the ocean calls us back again! 🌊

Post edited by FoodWhat Jr staff Communications team: Alexa Bitanga and Alex Ramos.

¡Listos, preparados, a surfear! 🏄‍♂️🏄‍♀️

Sin duda, el océano tiene una forma especial de unir a las personas🌀.

La semana pasada, los jóvenes de FW tuvieron la oportunidad de explorar el mar y surfear junto a instructores y voluntarios en Manresa State Beach. Antes de entrar al agua, se pusieron sus trajes de neopreno y recibieron una breve charla sobre seguridad en el océano y los fundamentos del surf. Los instructores les recordaron la famosa frase hawaiana: “Nunca le des la espalda al océano”. Mientras algunos jóvenes surfeaban, otros se relajaban en la arena🏖️, disfrutaban del sol☀️ y jugaban al voleibol🏐. Después, todos compartieron un almuerzo juntos 🌭🍓🍉🍍🥭.

Gracias a todos los instructores de surf, voluntarios, a Watsonville Wetlands Watch y a Growing True Leaves por hacer posible este día inolvidable.

¡Hasta que el océano nos llame de nuevo! 🌊

Publicación editada por el equipo juvenil de Comunicaciones de FoodWhat: Alexa Bitanga y Alex Ramos.
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Last week, indigenous midwives led a meaningful workshop on body literacy, where youth were taught about the things that...
08/09/2026

Last week, indigenous midwives led a meaningful workshop on body literacy, where youth were taught about the things that don’t always get taught in school. Ift In this workshop, they covered self-care, true consent, spiritual hygiene, and homebirth.
Afterwards, youth got the chance to watch a video of Andrea Ruizquez ‘s client giving birth. Giving them a look on what childbirth can be like. &
A huge thank you to these beautiful souls who passed down their knowledge into our space. We can’t wait to see you share this knowledge again, next year! *
Post edited by FoodWhat Jr staff: Alexa Bitanga & Alex
Ramos.
La semana pasada, unas parteras indigenas impartieron un taller significativo sobre el conocimiento del propio cuerpo, en el que se enseñó a los jóvenes temas que no siempre se abordan en la escuela. IR Durante el taller, se trataron aspectos como el autocuidado, el consentimiento genuino, la higiene espiritual y el parto en casa. Después, los jóvenes tuvieron la oportunidad de ver un video del parto de una de las pacientes de Andrea Ruizquez lo que les permitió conocer cómo es el proceso de dar a luz. 8
Muchísimas gracias a estas almas maravillosas por compartir sus conocimientos en nuestro espacio.
¡Estamos deseando verlas compartir este saber nuevamente el próximo año! *
Publicación editada por el equipo juvenil de comunicaciones de FoodWhat: Alexa Bitanga y Alex
Ramos.

Last week, indigenous midwives led a meaningful workshop on body literacy, where youth were taught about the things that...
08/09/2026

Last week, indigenous midwives led a meaningful workshop on body literacy, where youth were taught about the things that don’t always get taught in school. 🏫 In this workshop, they covered self-care, true consent, spiritual hygiene, and homebirth. Afterwards, youth got the chance to watch a video of Andrea Ruizquez ‘s client giving birth. Giving them a look on what childbirth can be like.👩🏽‍🍼

A huge thank you to these beautiful souls who passed down their knowledge into our space. We can’t wait to see you share this knowledge again, next year! 💐

Post edited by FoodWhat Jr staff: Alexa Bitanga & Alex Ramos.

La semana pasada, unas parteras indígenas impartieron un taller significativo sobre el conocimiento del propio cuerpo, en el que se enseñó a los jóvenes temas que no siempre se abordan en la escuela. 🏫 Durante el taller, se trataron aspectos como el autocuidado, el consentimiento genuino, la higiene espiritual y el parto en casa. Después, los jóvenes tuvieron la oportunidad de ver un video del parto de una de las pacientes de Andrea Ruizquez lo que les permitió conocer cómo es el proceso de dar a luz. 👩🏽‍🍼

Muchísimas gracias a estas almas maravillosas por compartir sus conocimientos en nuestro espacio.
¡Estamos deseando verlas compartir este saber nuevamente el próximo año! 💐

Publicación editada por el equipo juvenil de comunicaciones de FoodWhat: Alexa Bitanga y Alex Ramos.
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READY, SET, RIDE!🚴‍♀️Last week, 2026 FW youth had an amazing experience riding E-bikes🚲 around Watsonville. Before we go...
08/02/2026

READY, SET, RIDE!🚴‍♀️

Last week, 2026 FW youth had an amazing experience riding E-bikes🚲 around Watsonville. Before we got started, Tawn O Kennedy gave a quick guide on how to ride safely. Half of the youth got to ride around town while the other half were back at Homebase for the Community Care 🤝 workshop led by FW Staff Diana. After the workshop, youth expressed their creativity by making beautiful collages📋. Before switching groups, everyone enjoyed delicious pizza🍕for lunch from Pizza Mia and the youth had the chance to choose their own school supplies.📒✏️

A huge thank you to Ecology Action for making this experience possible and giving the FW youth & FW staff the opportunity to have a great ride together. Until, next ride! 🚵🚵‍♀️

Post edited by FoodWhat Jr staff communications team: Alexa Bitanga & Alex Ramos.

¡PREPARADOS, LISTOS, A PEDALEAR! 🚴‍♀️ La semana pasada, los jóvenes de FW vivieron una experiencia increíble recorriendo Watsonville en bicicletas eléctricas (e-bikes) 🚲. Antes de comenzar, Tawn O Kennedy ofreció una breve orientación sobre cómo conducir de manera segura. Mientras la mitad del grupo recorría la ciudad, la otra mitad permanecía en la sede central para participar en el taller de “Cuidado Comunitario” (Community Care) 🤝, dirigido por Diana, miembro del equipo de FW. Tras el taller, los jóvenes expresaron su creatividad elaborando hermosos collages 📋. Antes de intercambiar los grupos, todos disfrutaron de un delicioso almuerzo con pizza 🍕 de Pizza Mia, y los jóvenes tuvieron la oportunidad de elegir sus propios útiles escolares 📒✏️. ¡Muchísimas gracias a Ecology Action por hacer posible esta experiencia y brindar a los jóvenes y al personal de FW la oportunidad de disfrutar juntos de este gran paseo! ¡Hasta la próxima salida! 🚵🚵‍♀️

Publicación editada por el equipo juvenil de Comunicaciones de FoodWhat: Alexa Bitanga y Alex Ramos.
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READY, SET, PADDLE!🚣‍♀️🚣Earlier this month our 2026 FW youth crew along with FW staff and FW Jr. staff set up a really f...
08/01/2026

READY, SET, PADDLE!🚣‍♀️🚣

Earlier this month our 2026 FW youth crew along with FW staff and FW Jr. staff set up a really fun-filled kayaking adventure in the beautiful waters of Moss Landing🌊.

Before heading out to the water, everyone received a water safety orientation followed by a demonstration on how to get on the kayak and paddle safely. FW crew spent about 2 hours exploring the water before unwinding at the beach—enjoying the sunshine, sandwiches on the sand, and admiring the scenic ocean view. Thank you to all who made this unforgettable experience possible!

Post edited by FoodWhat Jr staff: Alexa Bitanga & Alex Ramos.

¡LISTOS, PREPARADOS, A REMAR! 🚣‍♀️🚣

A principios de este mes, nuestro grupo de jóvenes FW de la promoción 2026, junto con el personal y el equipo juvenil de FW, organizaron una divertida aventura en kayak por las hermosas aguas de Moss Landing 🌊.

Antes de salir al agua, todos recibieron una charla sobre seguridad acuática, seguida de una demostración sobre cómo subir al kayak y remar de forma segura. El grupo de FW pasó unas dos horas explorando el agua antes de relajarse en la playa, disfrutando del sol y de unos sándwiches en la arena, mientras admiraban el hermoso paisaje marino. ¡Gracias a todos los que hicieron posible esta experiencia inolvidable!

Publicación editada por el equipo juvenil de Comunicaciones de FoodWhat: Alexa Bitanga y Alex Ramos.
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“R-OO-TED!” WHAT?” 3xROOTED IN COMMUNITY🌱From July 15-19, youth from across the country gathered in Chapel Hill, North C...
07/24/2026

“R-OO-TED!” WHAT?” 3x
ROOTED IN COMMUNITY🌱

From July 15-19, youth from across the country gathered in Chapel Hill, North Carolina for the every-other-year Rooted in Community Conference.🌿

The RIC began with introductions, meaningful, and interactive workshops📝that encouraged learning, collaboration, and seeing community through new perspectives. From there, the experiences continued beyond the UNC with a visit to Pawpaw’s Family Farm where youth had some tomato🍅 harvest and shared food for lunch🍛. Later that day, everyone had the chance to unwind at the Jordan Lake🌴, enjoying the beauty of nature and sharing Nigerian food🥗 together.The following days were just as memorable. Exploring the farmers👨‍🌾👩‍🌾 market and had some farm tours🌾 . Later in the afternoon, there were friendly-competition games🪨📄✂️lead by FW Junior Staff. Then, wrapping the evening with the 🎵Cantasoria performance🎵from the youth, where music, laughter, and beautiful moments brought everyone even closer together. On our last day, we gathered in one final circle and shared what we wanted to take home with us—not souvenirs, but the lessons, the vibes, the friendships, the RIC spirit, and the values that we had gained throughout those four days. It was a reminder that being ROOTED IN COMMUNITY doesn’t end when the conference does. It’s something we always carry with us wherever we go, planting those same seeds of kindness, service, and connection back home🫶.

Until next RIC, stay rooted!🌱
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Edited by FoodWhat Jr Staff: Alexa Bitanga & Alex Ramos
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Youth at FoodWhat?!’s New Home: Homebase🏡Earlier this month, 2026 FW youth became the first crew to visit Homebase. A sp...
07/10/2026

Youth at FoodWhat?!’s New Home: Homebase🏡

Earlier this month, 2026 FW youth became the first crew to visit Homebase. A special milestone that marks the beginning of many memories yet to be made.✨

They explored the land and home, and FW Founder Doron shared a short story of the land’s history. And, as the first-ever first years to experience this space, they also shared their hopes and ideas for what Homebase could become. 🫶

From exploring the land to creating, learning, and moving together through Capoeira🪘with Ses Eye Ohm and FW Staff Dakeya, vision boards 📰 with FW Staff Diana, Strawflower garland making🌸 with FW Staff Lily, and Hiphop🎤with khan (not captured).

This is just the 🌿BEGINNING🌿.
We can’t wait to see how Homebase continues to grow with every youth who walks through it.

Post edited by the Foodwhat!? Jr Staff communications team: Alexa Bitanga and Alex Ramos.

Jóvenes en la nueva sede de FoodWhat?!: Homebase 🏡 A principios de este mes, el grupo de jóvenes de la generación 2026 de FW se convirtió en el primer equipo en visitar Homebase. Un hito especial que marca el comienzo de muchos recuerdos por crear. ✨ Exploraron el terreno y la casa, y Doron, fundador de FW, compartió una breve historia del lugar. Además, al ser los primeros jóvenes de nuevo ingreso en conocer este espacio, compartieron sus esperanzas e ideas sobre en qué podría convertirse Homebase. 🫶 Desde explorar el terreno hasta crear, aprender y moverse juntos a través de la capoeira 🪘 con Ses Eye Ohm y Dakeya, pasando por la creación de tableros de visión 📰 con Diana, la elaboración de guirnaldas de flores de papel 🌸 con Lily y el hip-hop 🎤 con khan (no capturado en foto). Esto es solo el 🌿COMIENZO🌿. Estamos ansiosos por ver cómo Homebase sigue creciendo con cada joven que lo visita.

Publicación editada el equipo juvenil de Conmemoraciones de FoodWhat!?: Alexa Bitanga y Alex Ramos.
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Happy Summer! FoodWhat’s Affordable Farm Stand resumes this week outside PVUSD’s Wellness Center PVUSD PVUSD Family Enga...
06/23/2026

Happy Summer! FoodWhat’s Affordable Farm Stand resumes this week outside PVUSD’s Wellness Center PVUSD PVUSD Family Engagement beginning June 24, and open on Wednesdays from 3:30-5:30PM.
See you there! 🥕🍅

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¡Feliz verano! El puesto de productos agrícolas a precios accesibles de FoodWhat?! retoma sus actividades esta semana frente al Centro de Bienestar de PVUSD (PVUSD PVUSD Family Engagement) a partir del 24 de junio; estará abierto los miercoles de 3:30 p. m. a 5:30 p. m.
¡Nos vemos allí! 🥕🍅

Address

1156 High Street
Santa Cruz, CA
95064

Telephone

+18314595476

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