Saba's Community Impact
Residents
“This program [Fresh5x] allows me to get a more vitamin-enriched diet because it gives me access to fresh fruit and vegetables. I can now have fresh produce with every meal, and it is making such an improvement in my overall health that it's amazing. This program has also done something more than feed us . . . Shopper’s Market went from selling tobacco products, t-shirts, and everything unhealthy to becoming the crown jewel of our neighborhood. Kids are running off with mangoes instead of chips, and we love it. Now, we get to eat blueberries, papayas, strawberries, and mangoes, instead of smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol and eating chips.”
- Tyra Richburg, Oakland Resident & Fresh5X Participant
Farmers
"Saba Grocers Initiative gave me a market opportunity we wouldn’t have otherwise in Northern California. Thanks to this partnership, we were able to launch our new 3lb produce bags—an exciting milestone for our farm. Beyond the financial support, working with a values-aligned buyer like Saba has been incredibly meaningful, ensuring that our fresh produce reaches the communities that need it most."
- Angelica Bugarin, Owner of Sweet Valley Produce
Corner Store Owners
“I sent photos [of produce in my corner store] to my friends in Sacramento and Denver, and they were shocked. They said they wish their corner store would stock produce, and have apples and bananas. They are shocked because it’s a no brainer.”
- Andre Isler, Owner of Isler’s Liquors on Foothill Boulevard in East Oakland
Institutions
“Saba has taken ACCFB from 0% to 85% produce purchasing from BIPOC farmers within the first year of our partnership! We are excited to be a community partner of Saba’s.”
- Regi Young, Executive Director of Alameda County Community Food Bank
Photo credit: Alameda County Community Food Bank