Dairy Council of California partnered with Community Health Centers of America (CHCA) on a $250,000 grant awarded by the Legacy Health Endowment in Turlock. 

Via the grant, Dairy Council of California will partner with CHCA and other local organizations to provide evidence-based, culturally relevant nutrition education training and resources to health care providers and residents in Gustine, as well as extra funds for mothers and families with children between 6 months and 2 years of age to purchase nutrient-dense milk and dairy foods.

"The Legacy Health Endowment is pleased to award a grant to Community Health Centers of America and Dairy Council of California, long known for their commitment to collaboration and dedication to improving nutrition security and championing community health. Their partnership will have an immediate and sustainable impact. Funds will be used to highlight the importance of dairy as part of healthy eating patterns to underserved communities in the critical first 1,000 days of life,” stated Jeffrey Lewis, CEO, Legacy Health Endowment.

Nutrition fuels optimal growth and development from the start, which is why equipping parents of infants and toddlers with access to healthy foods and nutrition education is essential. Nutrition security is defined as reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious food to avoid hunger and stay healthy. 

“CHCA provides dependable, affordable and compassionate healthcare services in regions that are historically underserved. Our commitment to improving health equity in underserved communities is made possible with partnerships like this one, which helps us in our quest to impact the health of entire communities,” states CEO Naresh Channaveerappa of CHCA.

Dairy Council of California CEO Amy DeLisio added: “We are deeply honored for the collaboration with CHCA and to be awarded the grant from the Legacy Health Endowment. Proper nutrition during the earliest stages of life supports a foundation for lifelong health and success. We believe in maximizing resources through collaboration and collective impact. This project will provide the opportunity for Dairy Council of California to work with local partners in Gustine to improve nutrition security by helping families stretch their food dollars while also supporting a healthy start in early life, through the introduction of wholesome first foods in a culturally relevant way.”