Orange County (OC) has a reputation for good health, however recent health statistics reveal more than one-third of our children are overweight or obese. For children to thrive, they need access to nutritious food, safe places to play and healthcare.
Providing Access to Nutritious Choices and Increased Physical Activity
We will achieve this by collective action across the community. Taking steps to generate healthy outcomes for Orange County residents including access to nutritious food, advocating for safe spaces for children and families to engage in active play and promoting utilization of healthcare.
Healthy Food Provision
Our unique partnership with OC Food Bank and Second Harvest Food Bank provides OC residents an opportunity to obtain fresh fruits and vegetables through school and community pantries and pop-up farmers’ markets for seniors.
Excess food from restaurants and catering events is redistributed to those in need through Waste Not OC.
We have also established community gardens as a means to educate residents on environmentally sound and less costly sources of fresh produce while simultaneously empowering them to be self-sufficient.
Healthy Schools Initiative
This initiative is an evidence-based effort utilizing the collective impact framework to empower schools in promoting the health and well-being of their community to reach their optimal potential.
This endeavor is a collaboration between partners from various sectors of the community, including, but not limited to, the Alliance for a Healthier Generation, Orange County Department of Education; as well as school districts and non-profit organizations.
Increasing Access to Healthcare
We are determined to make it easier for everyone to have access to healthcare. We have an on-site Covered California Certified Enrollment Counselor to help with the enrollment process and provide assistance to navigate the complex healthcare system.
Orange County United Way At Work
Did you know...
More than 300,000 OC residents don’t know where their next meal is coming from Learn more...
Did you know...
A lack of nutritious food during childhood can have lasting physical effects Learn more...
Covered OC / Covered CA
Did you know...
People without access to healthcare often rely on emergency care to treat conditions, often suffering severe outcomes due to infections and unmanaged chronic illnesses Learn more...Success Stories
During our summer Fit Club, one of our students showed up 20 of the 24 days. Over the course of the program he lost 11 pounds, grew close to an inch and improved in every statistical fitness test we had. We’re grateful United Way believes in this program. It’s making a measurable difference!
