Making a difference in Fontana

Tanialee Sanchez grew up on food stamps, and over the years has come to better understand the importance of nutrition. Now working toward her master’s degree in public administration from the University of La Verne and fresh off a stint as a Randall Lewis Health & Policy Fellow, Sanchez is experiencing first-hand the power of difference-making.

Her Lewis Fellowship assignment: Supporting the City of Fontana, Calif., in combating health inequity through the city’s Community Garden program.

“I didn’t know that much about local government, but I’ve seen how important this work is – that even something very small can be impactful,” Sanchez says.

Jasmine Sarsadias, Community Services Coordinator for Fontana, said the Community Garden is an important element of the city’s highly regarded Healthy Fontana initiative, which is built around the four core pillars of nutrition, active living, community partnerships and smart growth. Garden plots are available at Central City Park, described as “the perfect place to grow fruits, plants and vegetables while socializing with local Fontana residents and encouraging environmental awareness.” The program also includes workshops on gardening and healthy eating.

As the COVID-19 pandemic began receding, “we’ve definitely seen a lot of interest in our events. People want to come out,” Sarsadias says.