This project shifts power, so that “recipients,” or “constituents,” are leaders and decision-makers, and “providers” serve as allies to gather resources and remove barriers. La Mesa Comunitaria/ Community table builds self-resiliency among Latinx immigrant women and their families, as it connects them directly with – and gives them control over – food resources, reducing their dependence on income to purchase them.

Stipend Program: Most activities at Community Table are constituent led and organized.  Members receive a stipend in return for their time and shop, pack, and deliver for the program.  This gives families direct control over what food is sourced for the program, while compensating them for work that they would otherwise not have the time or privilege to carry out on a volunteer basis.

Food Preference Surveys:  Recipients are encouraged to fill out regular food preference surveys.  The surveys are essential to understanding what foods are culturally relevant for families.  The goal has always been that participants can access food that they want to receive, instead of just meeting basic needs. This information also drives the decision making in the spring when our partnering farmers are making crop plans for the season. Food Delivery:  The pantry program is entirely run on contact free delivery of weekly boxes.  This provides safety in times of the pandemic, while also bringing food to families that don’t have access to reliable transportation to pick up food.