What We Do
Our Story
Wellness Foods Foundation was established to bridge the gap between sustainable farming and communities struggling with access to healthy food. Our team believes that nutritious food fuels not only the body but also performance, energy, and overall well-being.
PROUD PARTNER OF SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF ORANGE COUNTY, CA
ABOUT SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF ORANGE COUNTY
Second Harvest Food Bank collaborates with community partners and over 14,000 volunteers to ensure dignified, equitable, and consistent access to nutritious food—building a foundation for community health throughout Orange County. Their extensive partner network spans 310 locations throughout the county, including houses of worship, K-12 schools, and universities, after-school programs, senior centers, shelters, soup kitchens, and transitional housing facilities. As a member of the Feeding America network, Second Harvest connects local efforts to a national movement fighting hunger.
HARVEST SOLUTIONS FARM
A 40-45 acre urban farm located at the UC South Coast Research & Extension Center in Irvine, California, established in August 2021. In partnership with A.G. Kawamura, a third-generation farmer and former California Secretary of Food and Agriculture.
Impact At Scale:
- Weekly Production: 39,000-60,000 pounds of fresh, nutrient-dense produce (varies by crop type and season)
- Total Output: Over 8 million pounds of fresh produce since opening
- Distribution Speed: 100% of harvest delivered within 48-72 hours to families in need
- Community Reach: 381+ Second Harvest partner locations serving 458,995 people monthly
What Grows:
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Cabbage (up to 40,000 lbs./week during peak season)
- Watermelon
- Green Beans
- Seasonal fruits and vegetables chosen for nutrient density & mental/physical health benefits
Our partner, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, distributed over 42 million pounds of food in fiscal year 2025 through approximately 380 partner distribution sites, reaching an average of 458,995 Orange County residents each month.
Current Food Insecurity Statistics
- 1 in 9 individuals lack consistent access to nutritious food
- Over 86,000 children experience food insecurity
- At least 1 in 8 Orange County children struggle with hunger
Growing Crisis & Vulnerable Populations
Food insecurity in Orange County has increased dramatically to 13.7% of the
population—up from approximately 8.5% in 2018. This represents a concerning upward trend in our community’s ability to access adequate nutrition. Senior citizens face particularly acute challenges, with approximately 29% of Orange County’s older adults experiencing food insecurity as of 2024-2025, meaning they lack sufficient food for a healthy diet and adequate quality of life.
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM (YEP)
Wellness Foods Foundation Funding Opportunity
Wellness Foods Foundation provides financial support for Second Harvest Food Bank’s Youth Engagement Program (YEP), which educates K-12 students about sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and food justice through hands-on learning experiences at Harvest Solutions Farm.
Students Learn About:
- Where food comes from and how it's grown
- Sustainable farming and food justice
- Weather, climate, and ecosystems
- Importance of fresh fruits and vegetables
- Healthy eating habits
Students Develop:
- Teamwork and problem-solving skills
- Communication and critical thinking
- Understanding of nutrition and health
- Commitment to sustainability
- Leadership capabilities
Long-Term Program Benefits
- Food security awareness
- Improved health and well-being
- Sustainability commitment
- Enhanced academic performance
- Community service values
- Future farmers and leaders
SUPPORT OUR MISSION
Your contribution supports sustainable farming and nutrition education for communities in need.
What Your Donation Supports: Every contribution to Wellness Foods Foundation makes a direct impact. Your support funds farm operations that provide fresh, nutritious produce to families in need and powers youth education programs that teach the next generation about healthy eating and sustainable agriculture.
What Your Donation Supports
Farm Operations
Fund sustainable farming at Harvest Solutions Farm— seeds, equipment, labor, and maintenance that produce thousands of pounds of fresh, organic food for Orange County families each week.
Nutrition Access
Youth Education (YEP)
Sustainable Agriculture
Promote farming practices that protect the environment and soil health while producing nutrient-dense food, serving as a model for sustainable food systems.
