Urban Tilth Expands Food Access Programs Amidst Rising Hunger in East Bay
A North Richmond urban farm, Urban Tilth, is expanding its food access programs, including free farm stands and community-supported agriculture, to address increased hunger in the East Bay. This comes as cuts to CalFresh benefits deepen food insecurity in the…
San Francisco Oakland San Jose, CA, September 5, 2026 — In response to growing food insecurity across the East Bay, North Richmond-based urban farm Urban Tilth is broadening its efforts to provide fresh produce to local communities. The organization is expanding its existing food access programs, which include free farm stands and community-supported agriculture (CSA) initiatives.
This expansion comes at a critical time, as an increase in hunger has been observed in the region. The need is particularly acute in underserved areas such as North Richmond, which faces challenges related to limited access to full-service grocery stores. Urban Tilth’s work aims to bridge this gap by making nutritious food more readily available.
The growing food insecurity is further exacerbated by recent cuts to CalFresh benefits, California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These reductions in state-level benefits are reported to be deepening the challenges faced by individuals and families struggling to afford adequate food supplies. The impact of these cuts is felt across the East Bay, disproportionately affecting communities already navigating food access barriers.
Urban Tilth, a non-profit organization, has been a fixture in the North Richmond community, focusing on cultivating local food systems and promoting food justice. Its programs are designed not only to distribute food but also to foster community engagement and education around sustainable agriculture. The expansion of their free farm stands and CSA offerings signifies a direct effort to mitigate the immediate effects of increased hunger and benefit reductions.
The lack of accessible supermarkets in North Richmond presents a significant obstacle for residents seeking affordable and healthy food options. Urban Tilth’s initiatives, therefore, play a vital role in ensuring that fresh, locally-grown produce can reach those who need it most. Specific details regarding the timeline for the program expansions were not provided in the trend summary.
Story summarized from the original created by Barbara Leonard on ww2.kqed.org, see more information here.
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