#United States #Los Angeles #Lalo Alcaraz #Poquita's Garden #Heluna Health

Heluna Health's Poquita's Garden: Nurturing Nutrition and Community

On February 5, 2025, Heluna Health made a significant new move with the roll-out of Poquita's Garden, a children's book aimed at tackling the pressing issue of food insecurity while simultaneously promoting healthy nutritional habits among children. This vibrant project, created by award-winning artist and illustrator Lalo Alcaraz, intertwines the importance of literacy with crucial themes of food access and community support, fitting perfectly within the framework of Heluna Health's mission to encourage better public health outcomes.

The narrative centers around a young girl named Amaya who relocates to Los Angeles and transforms a barren urban plot into a lively community garden. Through engaging illustrations and a heartfelt storyline, Poquita's Garden teaches children about the significance of food sources, the benefits of growing fresh, nutritious produce, and the essence of communal collaboration. Alcaraz emphasizes that the book serves as not just an educational tool but a tribute to the hard-working farmworkers that form the backbone of California's agricultural sector.

“Poquita's Garden is about more than planting seeds. It's about showing kids where their food comes from and teaching them the value of growing their own food,” Alcaraz shared. The project is particularly timely; in Los Angeles County, over 1.6 million residents face challenges in accessing affordable and nutritious food, pointing toward a significant public health concern. With around 3.2 million Californians affected statewide, the issues of food deserts are becoming increasingly evident. Kiran Saluja, the executive director of PHFE WIC, a major supporter of this initiative, highlights the detrimental impact of food insecurity on both physical and emotional well-being, especially for children.

As part of its rollout strategy, Heluna Health plans to distribute 10,000 copies of Poquita's Garden across California, primarily targeting families enrolled in the PHFE WIC program and the Little by Little School Readiness Program (LBL). This latest venture echoes the foundation's commitment to early literacy, ensuring that children grow up with access to quality literature that speaks to their lived experiences. Alongside distribution, Heluna Health is also hosting accompanying gardening workshops and community events that are designed to deepen understanding around nutrition and healthy eating habits.

Blayne Cutler, MD, PhD., President and CEO of Heluna Health, expressed hope that these initiatives would inspire families and communities to engage actively in the fight against food insecurity, sparking larger systemic changes. “Together, we can grow a healthier future for Los Angeles, California, and beyond,” said Cutler, demonstrating the organization's wide-reaching aspirations toward improving public health.

The Poquita's Garden book launch reflects an innovative step in merging art with social advocacy, while underscoring the value of community in addressing shared challenges. This project cultivates not just a tangible resource for families, but an educational movement that strives to plant the seeds of awareness and action in both children and their communities. With Alcaraz’s vibrant illustrations and narrative, the book is poised to inspire a deeper understanding and conversation about food access, encouraging young readers to envision their role in fostering healthier environments.

For further details on Poquita's Garden and Heluna Health’s initiatives, visit www.helunahealth.org.