El Toro

The Authority grant funded the San Jose State University Research Foundation's project, a signature CommUniverCity program, that aims to create a self-sustaining food system for low-income communities in Central San Jose where each child has opportunities to garden at a school garden or urban farm in their neighborhood. The program increases awareness of the importance of eating healthy, fresh foods, and promotes environmental stewardship among low-income children and their families.

The Authority helped to fund the San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society’s Tai Chi and Family Yoga, which will provide weekly and monthly programming to Bay Area families. Participants benefitted physically and mentally by experiencing a low-impact form of exercise surrounded by nature and wildlife. Hosting these types of programs at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge will also foster a sense of community among participants, allowing them to feel connected to each other, which also aids in their connection to the natural resources. In addition to exercise during these programs, attendees also participated in nature walks where they learned about the Refuge, habitats surrounding the Bay, wildlife that rely on these habitats, and their importance to the ecosystem.

The Authority contributed funds toward the City of Morgan Hill's expansion and relocation of the Morgan Hill Community Garden to a new site. The Garden outgrew its past temporary location and the site is programmed for redevelopment in the near future. This new permanent location enabled the Garden group to expand its services and make permanent improvements to the site that will serve the community for decades to come. In addition to doubling the number of garden plots, the new location includes a restroom, new native habitat, and enhanced accessibility for members with limited mobility.