At the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets, our mission has always been to provide access to fresh, nutritious food for our local community. We believe that healthy food is the foundation of a thriving community, and this belief has driven our collaboration with Watsonville Community Hospital and Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County to create Nourish — an innovative food pantry that ensures pregnant mothers and newborns have access to the essential nutrients they need.
In the Pajaro Valley Healthcare District, many families, particularly expectant mothers and newborns, face challenges in securing nutritious meals. This is where Nourish steps in. Located within Watsonville Community Hospital, Nourish is California’s first in-hospital food pantry, dedicated to offering free, healthy food to those who need it most.
With nearly 7,000 visitors served, Nourish is already making a meaningful impact. More than just a food pantry, it provides a comprehensive support system, offering nutrition education, access to social services, prenatal class registration, and information about support groups—all under one roof. Catherine Barr, the executive director of the MBCFM (who often personally delivers the fresh produce from the farmers market to the hospital) shared, “We are thrilled to be able to give back to our community in this small way.”
This initiative is a testament to our commitment to improving long-term health outcomes for our community. By connecting local families to fresh, healthy food, Nourish represents the type of forward-thinking solution that can shape the future of healthcare and wellness for generations to come. At Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets, we are proud to be part of this important effort, continuing our dedication to nourishing the health and well-being of our local community.
