“Transformation is an ongoing process that tends to appear ordinary, when, in fact, something extraordinary is taking place.” – Suzy Ross

Real transformation takes time. Real transformation takes dedication, patience, and teamwork. Real transformation is happening in the mundane and often tedious tasks required to reach that ultimate transformative goal. For us at Blue Zones Project Yuba Sutter, we hope to transform communities around health and wellbeing – a complex and multi-faceted goal but one that is achievable over the long term with dedication and commitment from the community. We, the community, are the architects of our health and wellbeing improvement. Together, we drive that change. Blue Zones Project Yuba Sutter is here to help lead these efforts and provide increased opportunities to make healthier choices in our day to day lives.

One of the key strategies at Blue Zones to create healthier communities is to address access to healthier foods. We are proud of the work that is being done around food access, including the launch of Harmony Market, a collaboration between Blue Zones Project Yuba Sutter, Harmony Health (a federally qualified health center) Yuba Sutter Food Bank and Yuba Sutter local farmers. Through this collaboration we were able to provide fresh, locally grown (within 40 to 50 miles) fresh produce to 161 families (632 individuals) at the first market.

The Harmony Market is not just a market; it's a testament to our commitment to building healthier and more connected communities. By partnering with Harmony Health, Yuba-Sutter Food Bank, and the local farming community, we aim to address food insecurity and promote wellness in a tangible and sustainable way.

One of the defining features of the Harmony Market is its focus on accessibility. Thanks to the generosity of the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank, fresh produce will be available free of charge to attendees while supplies lasts. In addition to distributing fresh produce, the event served as a platform for sharing valuable information about other resources available to the community.

We are eager to host several more Harmony Markets throughout the summer months. This event is a demonstration of how transformation can happen through strong partnerships, commitment to the work and belief in creating a more equitable landscape for all to have access to healthy choices.