Talking TABLE

One in three children in Orange County faces food insecurity. For these families, putting food on the table is a daily challenge, often forcing parents to make the impossible decision of purchasing groceries or paying for other critical needs like utilities, housing, and even transportation. 

Mornings can be chaotic — getting everyone dressed, packed, and out the door on time often feels like an achievement in itself.

Something I’m realizing more and more is that we continue to learn our whole lives. There is truly no limit to how much you can learn about any area, especially food, and nutrition, and how to best feed your body and your family! 

After a long day at school, sports, art class, or playing outside, kids often feel drained, and hunger can lead to a dip in energy or focus. The ideal after-school snack with the perfect ingredients can make all the difference in keeping them energized and ready for homework, dance, or other activities for the day.

Holidays are a great time for family, fun, and, of course, food. Once October is here, it seems like a never-ending stream of parties and celebrations.

TABLE has been delivering healthy food and nutrition education to local children for 16 years and this formula – or “recipe” – has become the foundation of what we do each day and is reflected in how our programming is structured. 

Food insecurity continues to be a challenge, especially for children in Orange County where nearly 7,000 kids are on free or reduced meals and therefore can be considered food insecure.

TABLE’s collaboration with Farmer Foodshare has helped serve more local children and while we’ve received food (both purchased and donated!) from them for over a decade, we have experienced a particularly exceptional strengthening of our partnership in the past few years. 

When I think about springtime at TABLE, the first thing that comes to mind is lettuce. It’s a crop that loves the cool weather but not the cold temperatures of this season which means our local farm partners share it in abundance.

  Located in Efland, Wildflower Lane Farm is one of Orange County’s wonderful small organic...