Max’s Helping Paws Foundation Receives Community Impact Grant from Community Foundation for Monterey County

 Max’s Helping Paws Foundation has received a Community Impact Grant of $15,000 to help the Foundation continue assisting pets in a health crisis over the next 18 months. 

Carmel, CA, December 22, 2020 — Max’s Helping Paws Foundation has received a Community Impact Grant of $15,000 to help the Foundation continue assisting pets in a health crisis over the next 18 months. 

The grant came from the Kathleen and Howard Marks Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County. Community Impact Grants address critical issues and opportunities for five primary program areas that advance the Community Foundation’s mission and vision for Monterey County. These grants are based on an analysis of local needs, aspirations, assets and opportunities for achieving strategic results. 

“The addition of Chestnut Fund grants has left a gap in funding for our core programs, and this grant will help fill that gap,” said Dayna Klein, co-founder and executive director of Max’s. “This is our first grant from the Community Foundation and we’re honored and excited to receive these much-needed funds to help us on our mission.” 

About Max’s Helping Paws Foundation

Max’s Helping Paws Foundation (MHPF) was co-founded in 2016 by Dyana Klein and her husband and veterinary internist, Dr. Jonathan Fradkin, in memory of their pet, Maximillian. The foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports all Monterey County veterinary practices to provide financial assistance to clients with pets in need of both critical short-term or longer-term care for chronic illness. Since it first started providing financial assistance in mid-2017, MHPF has granted more than $330,000 to give hundreds of pets a second chance. MHFP is based in Monterey County and serves only Monterey County. Max’s Helping Paws Foundation (831) 704-6473 and info@maxshelpingpaws.org. 

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
831-747-7455 
marci@thebuzzpr.net 
http://www.maxshelpingpaws.org

Interim Inc. Recognizes National Mental Awareness Month in January 2021

 Interim Inc. recognizes the importance of Mental Wellness Month in January 2021, and is dedicating the month for promoting overall mental wellness.

 Salinas, CA, December 21, 2020 — Interim Inc. recognizes the importance of Mental Wellness Month in January 2021, and is dedicating the month for promoting overall mental wellness. 

Mental wellness is about how all aspects of your life — the social, emotional, physical, spiritual and intellectual — all come together for an overall state of well-being.

 Mental health and wellness affect all aspects of our lives. It helps determine how we act, feel, and think, and it affects our ability to handle stress, connect to other people, and to make decisions. Thus it’s important to improve our mental awareness in any way we can, some can be as simple as laughing or having a positive attitude.  

Here are some tips that can help everyone improve their mental wellness: 

1. Develop a positive attitude — people with positive attitudes are happier, more successful, and better able to handle crises and stress. And in concert with a positive attitude, get an attitude of gratitude for what you have instead of dwelling on what you don’t. 

2. Avoid negative self-talk — Learn to be thankful for the good rather than focusing on the negative issues.

 3. View a crisis situation as an opportunity — creative problem-solving can expand your options. Try to make a list of good things that could result from the problem you’re having to solve. 

4. Laugh — Humor is a great stress-reducer. Studies indicate laughter can make you healthier. 

5. Exercise — Regular exercise increases energy and releases brain biochemicals to ward off depression and anxiety. Just a 15-minute walk a day will help keep body and soul together. 

6. Improve your diet — During times of stress, you tend to skip meals or eat junk food. A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and fiber will help you maintain the physical and mental stress you need to deal with the situation. 

7. Get enough rest — sleep disturbances are common during stress. 

8. Ask for help if you feel overwhelmed. Help can be just a phone call away. 

For more information  go to https://www.americanmentalwellness.org/  or to interiminc.org.

 About Interim, Inc.

Interim, Inc. is a private nonprofit organization that provides a unique combination of support services, housing and treatment for adults with mental illness in Monterey County. Services provided include affordable supportive housing, residential treatment, mental health and dual-recovery services, case coordination, therapeutic services, outreach and intensive support for homeless adults, supported education and employment, day treatment and peer support.

Interim Inc.
P.O. Box 3222 
Monterey, CA 93942 
(831) 649-4522 
www.interiminc.org

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
831-747-7455 
marci@thebuzzpr.net 
http://www.interiminc.org

GBA’s January ‘Ganas’ Podcast Guests include Hall of Fame Local coach, Iconic sportswriter

  Podcast Episodes Available on Apple

Salinas, CA, December 22, 2020 — Interviewing a Hall of Fame local coach who has given tirelessly to his community and an award-winning sportswriter and Twitter icon, Gil Basketball Academy offers new “Ganas — Leading from the Heart” podcasts for December.

Designed to inspire today’s youth through unique views and perspectives on life, “Ganas” (which translates to “desire”) is recorded live from the family garage of Jose Gil and Eva Silva, co-founders of the academy that promotes the sport of basketball in East Salinas through camps, clinics, individual sessions and elite travel teams. But more than that, GBA builds confidence and character in a membership that exceeds 450 local kids ages 4 to 17.

The “Ganas” podcast officially launched on Sept. 14, with past episodes available on Apple, or through the GBA website at www.gilbasketballacademy.com.

On Jan. 11, Episode 11 features coaching legend Jim Rear, who compiled 394 wins at Alisal and Alvarez high schools, earning induction into both the Alisal High and Salinas Valley Sports halls of fame. Off the court Rear impacted countless lives in Salinas, as executive director of the Sunrise House (a youth/family counseling and crisis center for alcohol- and drug-related issues), and as a volunteer for several organizations, including the Salinas Police Activities League.

On Jan. 25, the “Ganas” team will interview local sportswriter, columnist and Twitter icon John Devine, who has won 18 awards honoring his work at the Monterey County Herald.

The idea for a podcast grew from Gil’s growing frustration in not being able to completely connect with and inspire his GBA kids during the pandemic.

“You have to think outside the box,” said the longtime coach and athletic director at Alisal High School. “I was used to having hundreds of kids together at one time, and now I have to figure out new ways to have an impact.”

While the couple have little experience in media (and none in podcasting), they invested in the technology needed to turn the family garage into a functioning studio.

“Ganas” podcasts (including video with guests appearing via Zoom) span 30 to 45 minutes, and include topics such as sports, health, fitness, leadership, community and more.

 

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
831-747-7455 
marci@thebuzzpr.net 
http://www.gilbasketballacademy.com

Spirit of Giving on a Budget

  Now that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us, shoppers could be thinking that the best deals are in the past.

 Mumbai, MH, December 19, 2020 - Now that Black Friday and Cyber Monday are behind us, shoppers could be thinking that the best deals are in the past. However, savings season is still going strong with lots of stores pushing hard with their discounts to lure last minute shoppers still looking for their presents this holiday season. You can finish your shopping with strong discounts. 

Sale promotion manager Andrew from CouponMeUp.com says, “Shoppers working their way through their shopping list can still rejoice as there are still lots of opportunities to save. December finds lots of deals on your gift giving essentials, with time for delivery on most things by Christmas. You can still fill the stockings in time for holiday joy.” 

Game the System

Sales on gaming and electronics did not end on Cyber Monday. More deals continue all the way through to christmas. Be it games, consoles, phones or other electronics like laptops, monitors and cameras, you can still see some steel discounts through to the end of December.

Cards, gift cards

If the season is near and you still can’t work our what your loved ones really, really want, then gift cards are the solution for you. With cards available from all your favorite stores, your sure to find one to suit your special someones.

Deck the Halls

With only days left until your loved ones arrive at your house for holiday festivities, you still have time for last minute decorations at greater and greater discounts the later you leave it, and the stores become more willing to clear out their holiday decorations at lower prices.  Andrew advises, “Really great discounts on decorations can be found the longer you leave shopping for them, you will have less choice but also lower prices.”

Do not miss a delivery

With all the packages arriving at your door, you won’t want to miss a gift. With not a lot of time left, you are not going to miss one. A new Ring doorbell can alert you on your phone when deliveries arrive and now is the time to save on one.

Contact: 
John M Paul 
Straight Line PR 
Mumbai, MH 
8754435813 
Straightlinepr@gmail.com 
https://www.couponmeup.com/

Max's Helping Paws grants more than $75,000 for pets in crisis through supplementary Chestnut's Fund

  Did you know that Dec. 14 is National Chestnut Day? Some Americans celebrate by roasting chestnuts on an open fire (with Jack Frost nipping at their noses, of course). 

Carmel, CA, December 14, 2020 - Max’s Helping Paws Foundation celebrates another special Chestnut — a beautiful brown-faced puppy left at a veterinary practice back in 2005. Chestnut became a loving family member to Dr. Jonathan Fradkin and Max’s co-founder Dyana Klein — and later the inspiration behind the nonprofit’s Chestnut’s Crisis Fund. 

Named after the late, beloved Chestnut, the fund is an additional program created specifically for pet owners financially impacted by loss of work or business closures due to COVID-19. 

Since its inception in 2020, the fund has raised more than $75,000 for Monterey County pet owners like the Moores, a military family that drove across the country with their 1-year-old Labrador puppy Brinkley last summer. Before they could properly move in, however, Brinkley grew lethargic and was throwing up repeatedly. The family’s belongings hadn’t even arrived yet and they found themselves at the animal hospital. 

Brinkley faced a life-threatening liver issue. The family had already paid more than $3,000 to help him — money that was earmarked to pay for their move to Monterey. Knowing that they had to do everything possible to save their puppy, the financially strapped family turned to Max’s. 

Through the foundation’s special Chestnut’s Crisis Fund, the Moore family was able to help Brinkley get the help he needed through veterinary partner Pet Specialists of Monterey. 

“Brinkley is the sweetest pup, full of life and energy,” said Katherine Moore, Brinkley’s mom. “He has become a beloved member of our family in the three short months we’ve had him. We worried that he might not make it and he hasn’t even reached his first birthday.” 

Brinkley’s happy ending is just one of many created by the special fund. Since mid-March when sheltering in place began throughout the state, Max’s has granted more than $170,000 to pet owners, with more than $75,000 of that given to Chestnut’s Fund recipients. This total represents a nearly 400-percent increase from this same time period just a year ago. 

Initially expected to be available for a few months, Max’s co-founder Dyana Klein has announced that Chestnut’s Fund will do their best to offer this program for as long as they can continue to fund it. 

“We need to make sure we keep this program alive for those doing their best to financially recover from the crises of this year,” said Klein, who hopes potential donors will see the great need and help contribute to the fund. 

Believing that financial circumstances should never decide a companion pet’s fate, programs such as Chestnut’s Crisis Fund reduce economic euthanasia, surrender and suffering of severely ill or injured pets. To help the foundation in its mission, the community can donate in several different ways: through their unique link at the Monterey County Gives website where donations are matched, or through Max’s direct website at www.maxshelpingpaws.org/donate. 

For more Chestnut’s Fund success stories like this one go to: www.maxshelpingpaws.org/blog. 

About Max’s Helping Paws Foundation

Max’s Helping Paws Foundation (MHPF) was co-founded in 2016 by Dyana Klein and her husband and veterinary internist, Dr. Jonathan Fradkin, in memory of their pet, Maximillian. The foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports all Monterey County veterinary practices to provide financial assistance to clients with pets in need of both critical short-term or longer-term care for chronic illness. Since it first started providing financial assistance in mid-2017, MHPF has granted more than $330,000 to give hundreds of pets a second chance. MHFP is based in Monterey County and serves only Monterey County. Max’s Helping Paws Foundation (831) 704-6473 and info@maxshelpingpaws.org.

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
831-747-7455 
marci@thebuzzpr.net 
http://www.maxshelpingpaws.org/donate

Donated Paintings of Carmel Beach Pups Capture Hearts of Pet Owners, Help Pets in Need

 When Ed Davis picked up the illustrations of his beloved dogs, Bichons Bert and Ernie, from Max’s Helping Paws Foundation office, he got a little emotional, shedding a few tears in the process.

 Carmel, CA, December 09, 2020 — When Ed Davis picked up the illustrations of his beloved dogs, Bichons Bert and Ernie, from Max’s Helping Paws Foundation office, he got a little emotional, shedding a few tears in the process. Bert had passed away just a year and a half ago and Ernie’s gimpy knees prevented him from going on their favorite weekend walks on Carmel Beach. 

Davis, a resident of Hollister who works at Hayward Lumber in Monterey, had been going to Carmel Beach to walk Bert and Ernie for the past 10 years and became part of the informal Carmel Beach dog community, along with artist Bonnie Folster and her beloved Scottish deerhound Buck. 

Seven years ago Folster started painting and illustrating the dogs she and Buck befriended on Carmel Beach, including Bert and Ernie, and by this year she had accumulated more than 100 works of art. 

When she decided to move out of the area, she wanted to donate the artworks to a good cause, which prompted her to put nearly all the works into the public eye, hopefully to be "claimed by" and given to as many of the families of the dogs she painted as possible, as part of a fundraiser for Max’s Helping Paws Foundation and its important mission to provide financial assistance to pets in need. 

Folster’s 100 dogs paintings and illustrations (some are acrylic on canvas, others are colored pencil on archival paper) went on display in July and pet owners could “claim” artworks of their pets and, if desired, donate to Max’s Helping Paws. A website was created (https://www.maxshelpingpaws.org/carmel-dogs ) so dog owners could browse the online gallery and see if their four-legged companions were immortalized by Folster. 

Davis heard about the gallery and thought, “I wonder if I’ll recognize any of these dogs?” After a few minutes of browsing online, he hit paydirt. 

“That’s Ernie! I gotta get this,” he said after spotting a colored pencil drawing of his precious pet. “I got so excited to find Ernie, I stopped looking. Then I wondered if I could find Bert.” 

After more browsing, there he was, wearing Ernie’s red Hawaiian shirt (Bert actually favored a blue Hawaiian shirt), but there was no doubt it was Bert. So Davis ordered both pieces of art and went to pick them up at the gallery in Carmel. 

“It was wonderful, and very emotional, but they understood,” said Davis, who met with Dyana Klein, co-founder of Max’s, to pick up the art. “I was more than happy to make a donation, but just getting paintings of my guys was even better.” 

Although he doesn’t go to Carmel Beach now because of Ernie’s condition and pandemic restrictions, Davis looks fondly on the days Bert and Ernie frolicked on the beach with their four-legged pals. 

“It was a bunch of great dogs and a great group of people down there. It’s a wonderful place,” he said about the Carmel Beach dog community. “I hope other owners will be able to find their dogs too.” 

One couple who did find their dog, cairn terrier Barley’s painting, was Carmel’s Terry and David Clemens. 

“My husband, David, and I met Bonnie and Buck five-plus years ago on Carmel Beach.  On our morning walks the two dogs, both Scots, yet very different in size, age, and temperament, became best friends,” said Terry Clemens. “One of Bonnie’s first dog paintings was of our exuberant young Barley. Years later she did another painting of our high-spirited but more mature cairn. We treasure both paintings, and our friendship with Bonnie. Buck will always be loved in our memories. We’re so happy Bonnie’s wonderful work is benefiting dogs and their owners who need help.” 

There are about 70 pieces of artwork still unclaimed out of the 100 first displayed on the website gallery. Similar commissioned paintings by Folster, of varying sizes would normally “fetch” between $100 for the small paintings and pencil sketches, and more than $350 for the larger 8x12 paintings. Dog owners can browse the collection at the website at: www.maxshelpingpaws.org/carmel-dogs. 

No payment is being requested, however, Folster asks that recipients of her artwork consider making a donation in whatever amount they feel is appropriate to Max’s Helping Paws Foundation’s MC Gives! page at: https://www.montereycountygives.com/nonprofit/animal-relief-fund-monterey/. 

“These are a wonderful, personal and very unique opportunity to claim art pieces that capture pups when they are in their most authentic, playful and carefree state — having the most fun,” said Klein. “Bonnie's paintings capture the expressions, the essence of these pups at play on Carmel Beach. These were created over multiple years, so it's also a chance for those whose pets have passed to have something so personal, special and meaningful. Capturing joy is pretty important right now.” 

As for Folster, she’s pleased that her artwork is going to a good cause and good homes. 

“I didn’t do it to sell, I did it for fun,” Folster said when the fundraiser launched in July. “And it just kind of kept going. No one asked me to paint their dog, but lots of people might be surprised and, I hope, pleased, that I did. I hope they will make a generous donation to Max’s for all they are doing in this community. It’s very gratifying to have the paintings find a home with the people who love their dogs. And I had fun doing them.” 

About Max's Helping Paws Foundation

Max’s Helping Paws Foundation (MHPF) was co-founded in 2016 by Dyana Klein and her husband and veterinary internist, Dr. Jonathan Fradkin, in memory of their pet, Maximillian. The foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit that supports all Monterey County veterinary practices to provide financial assistance to clients with pets in need of both critical short-term or longer-term care for chronic illness. Since it first started providing financial assistance in mid-2017, MHPF has granted more than $330,000 to give hundreds of pets a second chance. MHFP is based in Monterey County and serves only Monterey County. Max’s Helping Paws Foundation (831) 704-6473 and info@maxshelpingpaws.org. 

Max’s Helping Paws Foundation


(831) 704-6473

www.maxshelpingpaws.org

info@maxshelpingpaws.org

26388 Carmel Rancho Lane, Suite D Carmel CA 93923.

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
(831) 747-7455 
http://www.maxshelpingpaws.org

Pandemic gives rise to the ‘Staycation’ — Carmel’s Hofsas House provides Options for Regional Guests

  The very core of a vacation involves traveling from one’s home to a faraway destination — leaving the stress of life far behind. 

Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA, December 09, 2020 — The very core of a vacation involves traveling from one’s home to a faraway destination — leaving the stress of life far behind. 

However, sometimes external circumstances (such as a global pandemic) can alter vacation plans dramatically.

 Enter the “staycation,” devised by savvy travelers following the economic recession of 2008. Some staycation aficionados choose to stay overnight in their own homes during a staycation. Others specifically check into a hotel to get away from home, but still stay within close driving distance. 

The Hofsas House in Carmel has opened its doors for those seeking to embrace the idea of a staycation. Because faraway travel is largely restricted, what better way to use up those vacation days than in idyllic Carmel-by-the-Sea? 

Staycations can save money, support local economies, and are easier to plan. While the traditional vacation requires many hours on airplanes or standing in security lines, the staycation leaves travelers more time to actually relax. 

The winner of the 2020 Golden Pine Cone for “best hotel,” and the Carmel Chamber Business of Excellence Awards winner, the Hofsas House is a family-owned, dog-friendly hotel in the heart of the village. 

In business since 1947, Hofsas House offers 37 uniquely decorated, spacious rooms, including two-bedroom suites complete with kitchenette, fireplace, balcony, and high-speed internet. Overlooking the pine tree canopy of the village, the hotel also provides a swimming pool and sauna. Located three blocks north of Ocean Avenue, eight blocks from the picturesque Carmel Beach and one block from a child-friendly city park, Hofsas House is a short walk from every local attraction. 

For more information, please visit www.hofsashouse.com  or call (831) 624-2745. 

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
(831) 747-7455 
http://www.hofsashouse.com

Monterey Symphony announces A Virtual Holiday Spectacular, In Partnership with My Museum and Pacific Repertory Theatre

  The Monterey Symphony, in partnership with MY Museum and Pacific Repertory Theatre presents a VIRTUAL HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR. 

Carmel/Monterey, CA, December 09, 2020 – The Monterey Symphony, in partnership with MY Museum and Pacific Repertory Theatre presents a VIRTUAL HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR. This family friendly event will be broadcast at 1 PM (PST) on Thursday, December 24th and will be available online immediately following. 

MY Museum in downtown Monterey is the backdrop for a fantastic local talent line-up, with costumes and decorations provided by Pacific Repertory Theatre. Gorgeously decorated Christmas trees will fill the space where joyful music and words will echo. 

Local actress and singer Malinda DeRouen Mueller, who this month released her first Christmas Album titled Christmas This Year, provides Christmas melodies for the show.

 Maddox Haberdasher will read the timeless classic “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” 

Monterey Symphony French hornists Alicia Mastromonaco and Caitlyn Smith-Franklin will regale with holiday carols. 

Lauren Cohen, Executive Director of MY Museum, and Nicola Reilly, Executive Director of the Monterey Symphony, will serve as hosts. 

Printable bingo cards will be available on the Symphony’s website to play along as you watch. 

More information can be found at the Symphony’s website: www.montereysymphony.org 

The Monterey Symphony was founded in 1946 and incorporated in 1947. The Symphony’s mission is to engage, educate and excite our community through the performance and continual discovery of symphonic music.

 For press inquiries, contact: Nicola Reilly, Executive Director, nreilly@montereysymphony.org  or 831-645-1131 (Direct) 

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
(831) 747-7455 
http://www.montereysymphony.org

Goodwill Central Coast Continues Philanthropic ways by Supporting causes of other Local Nonprofits

  It’s a well-known fact that Goodwill Central Coast helps anyone who needs or wants a job — be it a veteran, high school dropout or someone with a physical disability.

 Salinas, CA, December 04, 2020 - What’s lesser known is the length Goodwill goes to create opportunities for nonprofit organizations that have similar outreach in the community. 

For example, Goodwill Central Coast recently joined forces with Interim Inc., and Coastal Roots Hospitality to coordinate the delivery of 350 Thanksgiving meals, warm socks and more to Interim residents, clients and others in need in the community. 

Goodwill will continue its support throughout the holiday season as Interim plans to coordinate two gift giveaways. One involves approximately 500 pairs of new socks donated by Goodwill Central Coast that will be paired with $15 gift certificates from Interim, which provide services and affordable housing supporting members of our community with mental illness in building productive and satisfying lives. 

In October, Goodwill Central Coast collaborated on the Cookies for Kids’ Cancer Fundraiser for the second straight year. Through Round Up donations, customers gave $950 to the cause, and Goodwill matched those donations to increase the total to $1,900. 

In November, Goodwill Central Coast collaborated with customers through an in-store donation drive to raise funds for The ALS Association Golden West Chapter. 

Goodwill CC matched each donation dollar for dollar to aid the nonprofit provide daily assistance to those living with the challenges of ALS. 

Following devastating fires in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, Goodwill Central Coast rallied with its shoppers to raise thousands of dollars (including nearly $1,400 at the Scotts Valley store alone). 

Additionally, Goodwill Central Coast stores in Monterey and Santa Cruz counties aided wildfire victims by donating all funds from its Round-Up Program in September and October to those who lost their homes and were forced to evacuate, totalling nearly $8,000. 

Goodwill’s popular Round Up program is a way for shoppers to help enhance Goodwill’s mission of providing job training and career services that help individuals with special needs get to work. Shoppers can either “round up” their purchase to the nearest dollar or donate a set amount ($1, $3 or $5). All of these options are displayed on the credit card terminal machine. 

At Goodwill CC, revenue generated by its retail stores directly funds our high caliber job training programs. In-store change helps Goodwill change the lives of local residents for the better by providing them with the job training needed to become employed. 

Funds will go to nonprofits and organizations assisting individuals and families with emergency assistance, health and human services, short-term housing/rental assistance, reimbursement of equipment and supplies and other support for affected residents. The fund is a trusted repository for philanthropic assets to be directed specifically for this purpose. 

About Goodwill Central Coast

Goodwill Central Coast, a private 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, began in 1928 in the city of Santa Cruz and today has expanded into three counties: Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo. Goodwill Central Coast now employs more than 600 people, including employment training professionals, sales personnel, donation center attendants, warehouse and distribution workers, and administrators. Its programs strengthen communities by improving job growth, the lives of individuals and families, and the health of our environment. Each year Goodwill assists more than 9,000 job seekers get back to work and reclaim financial and personal independence. Goodwill provides a positive learning environment that creates brighter futures through connecting people to meaningful work.

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
(831) 747-7455 
https://www.ccgoodwill.org/

Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets Hit New Highs in Getting Healthy Produce to the Community Through its Various Programs

  By the end of this tumultuous year, Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets will have hit high water marks in getting healthy produce to consumers through its various programs. 

Marina, CA, December 04, 2020 — By the end of this tumultuous year, Everyone’s Harvest Certified Farmers’ Markets will have hit high water marks in getting healthy produce to consumers through its various programs. 

According to Everyone’s Harvest Executive Director Reid Norris, Everyone’s Harvest is on track to distribute more than $175,000 in healthy food through its programs by the end of this year, food grown by local family farmers for the families in the community who need it most. Programs such as Fresh Rx fruit and veggie "prescriptions" from its partner physicians, EBT/Market Match and others, have been a part of that success. 

In addition, 2020 has already been the best year ever for Market Match — a program that doubles spending power at Everyone’s Harvest farmers' markets for CalFresh shoppers. Norris estimates that the CalFresh and Market Match programs will top out at $40,000 by the end of the year. 

In 2020, more than 160 families are receiving a Fresh Rx fruit and veggie "prescriptions" from its partner physicians. Results tracked by doctors show healthy decreases in the majority of participants' BMI, weight, and waist circumference, and healthy lifestyle changes including eating more meals prepared at home. 

“Everyone’s Harvest has been successful this year, and I attribute that to a lot of community support, being designated an essential business, doing things safely and programs that work,” said Norris. “We’ve also been so lucky, none of our people have gotten sick and we’re getting through with a lot of perseverance and a lot of good luck.” 

Norris said that putting health and safety protocols in place at the onset of the pandemic helped Everyone’s Harvest weather the ups and downs of this year. 

“It’s still a safe, fun thing to do these days when there’s not much else to do,” he said about the popularity of Everyone’s Harvest’s five farmers’ markets. “We’re outside and we’ve had safety protocols in place since March.” 

Norris said that there is a holiday break coming up for its farmers' markets in Pacific Grove and Marina, when farmers take a couple weeks off to relax and reinvigorate the soil for the new year. This year, markets will be closed Dec. 27 and 28 and Jan. 3 and 4, 2021. 

For more information, go to www.everyonesharvest.org  or call (831) 384-6961. 

About Everyone’s Harvest

Everyone’s Harvest was founded in 2002 by Iris Peppard building on her capstone project as a student at California State University Monterey Bay. Since then, the small nonprofit has grown into a robust, values-driven 501(c)3 organization. It operates five certified farmers’ markets and is a catalyst for health-related programs across Monterey County. 

The mission is to provide access to healthy, affordable fruits and vegetables through certified farmers’ markets and community food programs. The vision is for every community to have a fair and sustainable food system. 

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
(831) 747-7455 
http://www.everyonesharvest.org