Youth Health Ambassadors

Christina HallSprouting Justice

empowering Santa Ana youth through food systems and nutrition education

The Background Story

Food Insecurity in the County

• Orange County ranks #2 in California for the number and percentage of food insecure adults.

• 52.4% of low-income households are food insecure

• 18.3% of these are considered to be in the category of very low food security

Food Related Health Impacts in Santa Ana

• 46.5% of youth are overweight or obese

• 70+% of adults are overweight or obese

• High levels of hypertension, diabetes and heart disease

Medical Services in Santa Ana

• The lowest rate of people covered by health insurance in the county

• Portions of the city are considered as both a Health Professionals Shortage Area and a Medically Underserved Population

Santa Ana Demographics

• The 4th most densely populated city in the U.S.

• The largest population of youth in the county

• The average age is 36

• Highest rates of violent crime and poverty in the county

Landscape of poverty

poverty + food insecurity + lack of activities =

social injustice

Empowerment Through Food and Fun

Youth Health Ambassadors

• A Program of TeenSpace at the Santa Ana Public Library

• 10 Week Summer Session

• 10 Month Regular Session

Summer Program

• Introductory Program

• Gardening

• Field Trips

• Service Projects

Health & Well-Being

• Food Access & Food System• Nutrition & Healthy Eating• Food Traditions• Marketing & Messaging• Social Justice• Environmental Impacts of Food• Ingredients• Drugs and Alcohol

Putting it All Together

• Cooking• Recipes• Budgeting• Grocery Shopping• Farmers Market• Family Meals

Sharing New Information

• Blogging

• Movies

• Health Fair

• Friends & Family

Any Questions?

Christina Hallchristina.hall@sproutingjustice.org