youth health ambassadors christina hall sprouting justice empowering santa ana youth through food...

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