WE MUST START WITH THE FAMILY

Executive Director Elizabeth McSwain found that the health issues that plagued many families in the Inland Empire – like high blood pressure & diabetes––could be prevented if only they knew how to make better food choices and where to access healthier options. So in 2016, she founded Caramel Connections Foundation (CCF) to empower families to do just that. CCF is devoted to supporting underserved communities in Southern California, with a particular emphasis on children’s health by addressing childhood obesity and heart disease through the Seeds of Joy Community Garden project.

Commenced in 2021, this volunteer-driven initiative stands as a testament to the organization’s unwavering commitment despite the challenges posed by the pandemic. Rooted in food sovereignty principles, the Seeds of Joy project directs its efforts toward marginalized neighborhoods, with the objective of diminishing food insecurity, improving health, and fostering community empowerment. Families served by the project not only gain access to nutritious food but also acquire the knowledge to cultivate their nutritional sources, empowering them to take charge of their health and shape their own future.