Food isn't just food, it's a thread that connects people, tradition, and a way of life. We're committed to ensuring that all families can participate in and benefit from the shared experience of good, nourishing food
At Blue Zones Project Yuba Sutter, we’ve always understood that food is more than just nourishment, it’s a thread that connects people, traditions, and a way of life. This belief fuels our mission to help bridge the gap in healthy food access to ensure that all families can participate in and benefit from the shared experience of good, nourishing food. Because after all, food isn’t just food. Our dear friend and fellow Blue Zones advocate, Steven Dambeck, summed it up perfectly when he said, “food is family.” And that’s exactly how we see it.
This philosophy led us to a partnership that continues to grow and flourish, our collaboration with Harmony Health and the Yuba Sutter Food Bank. Through this effort, we’ve been able to help provide, locally grown produce to hundreds of families in our community, free of charge. This produce is the result of the dedicated work and a deep love for the land, nurtured by local farmers.
Steven Dambeck, who leads Yubakami, is one such farmer whose passion for the Blue Zones lifestyle has inspired us all. His journey to one of the original Blue Zones taught him that food is more than mere sustenance, it’s a way of life. He’s brought that philosophy back to Yuba Sutter, where he tirelessly sources the best produce, ensuring it reaches local families.
Through Steven, we’ve had the privilege of meeting exceptional farmers who bring life, culture, and nourishment to our community. Among them are Thomas from Lor Produce and James and Brenda from JB Farms. Visiting their farms opened our eyes to the dedication and pride farmers pour into their work.
James and Brenda shared a variety of their produce with us, from crisp cucumbers to an unforgettable watermelon! But the most meaningful offering was a sticky, sweet corn native to their Hmong culture. This corn wasn’t just a crop; it was a tangible link to their heritage, connecting them to their roots in Laos, where farming has been a part of their families for generations. As we gathered to taste the corn they had graciously prepared, it became clear that this was more than just a meal—it was a powerful reminder of their community’s resilience and enduring spirit.
When we asked James what he loved most about farming, his answer was simple yet profound, “the physical aspect of it, getting my body moving.” In those few words, he captured the essence of the Blue Zones lifestyle, a life rooted in movement, connection, and purpose. James and Brenda, like many others in our community, carry the wisdom of their ancestors, using it to cultivate their fields and provide for their loved ones.
These farmers embody the true spirit of the Blue Zones way of life. They understand that food isn’t just something to eat—it’s a process, a cycle, and a way of living. It’s about the careful nurturing of the land and the joy of sharing the fruits of their labor with others.
As we continue our journey, we remain committed to deepening these connections. We strive to ensure that the food we share with our community is not only nourishing but also a reflection of the love and care that goes into growing it. Because at the end of the day, food isn’t just food—it’s family. And that’s a story worth telling.
