First Lady Michelle Obama Applauds Early Successes of California FreshWorks Fund

Earlier this month, First Lady Michelle Obama participated in a ceremony in Inglewood, Calif., to applaud the first tangible successes of the California FreshWorks Fund, a $264 million public-private partnership between The California Endowment and other partners, including NCB Capital Impact, to provide affordable fresh and healthy foods to California communities in need.

Last July, Mrs. Obama announced nationwide commitments to open or expand stores in areas with limited access to healthy food. As a result, the California FreshWorks Fund was created and has since committed more than $20 million in financing to Northgate Gonzales Markets—once a small, family-owned grocer and now a community staple in dozens of locations across California. This financing will fund the opening of three Northgate sites in City Heights, Inglewood, and South Los Angeles, which will in turn expand their company, create jobs, and help nourish communities that otherwise lack access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food.

Mrs. Obama was joined in Inglewood by Robert K. Ross, M.D., CEO of The California Endowment, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Inglewood Mayor James Butts and community leaders from around Los Angeles. 

More news coverage on the First Lady's visit, and the FreshWorks initiative:

Los Angeles Times 

ABC 7 LA 

CBS 7 LA 

NBC 7 LA