In August, The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert’s Community Food Bank and Aziz Farms gave our valley a great example of what it means to be a good neighbor. In a newly formed partnership, the food bank purchased fresh produce directly from a Coachella Valley farm, with the shared goal of making these local purchases a monthly commitment.

This partnership brings together two ends of the Coachella Valley to address gaps in access to healthy food while supporting our local economy and agricultural community. Through the collaboration of Blue Zones Project Palm Springs, Aziz Farms, and The Center’s Community Food Bank, we are seeing what “good neighbors” truly look like.

One valley, one community. Too often, the Coachella Valley divides itself into the east end and the west end. But hunger doesn’t recognize city boundaries, and neither should healthy food. When we come together as one community, we create solutions that benefit us all.

The Center’s Community Food Bank serves more than 500 families each week. By providing locally grown, fresh produce, this partnership gives more of our neighbors the opportunity to enjoy healthy food that may not have always been affordable. It also strengthens our local food system by investing in the farmers who grow the food right in our own backyard.

This is what wellbeing looks like in action. The Center has long been committed to providing nutritious food, healthy recipes and a healthy food pantry environment. While this first purchase is something worth celebrating, we hope it marks the beginning of a lasting partnership. The vision is to make locally sourced produce a regular, monthly part of The Center’s food distribution efforts, and Blue Zones Project Palm Springs is proud to support and build upon the incredible work they are doing.

Growing a stronger local food system. Our hope is that this partnership inspires other food pantries and organizations in the Coachella Valley to consider purchasing locally whenever possible. When we invest in our local farmers, increase access to fresh, healthy food, and support one another, our entire valley becomes stronger, healthier and more connected. And that is what being a good neighbor is all about.

To get involved in Palm Springs, contact bzppalmsprings@bluezones.com, or in Coachella, bzpcoachella@bluezones.com. Visit www.bluezonesprojectps.com or www.bluezonesprojectcoachella.com.