Lora Cayanan, MPH, Program Manager, Community Health Improvement Partners
Janice Luna Reynoso is a Resident Leadership Academy (RLA) trailblazer and her passion for educating and inspiring others to get involved in their communities has not slowed down through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Currently, Janice is leading a youth RLA in Logan Heights, working alongside Olivewood Gardens & Learning Center to map out empty plots in National City and using data on health and economic disparities to improve the health of residents. RLA’s are curriculum-based public health leadership programs aimed at empowering residents to make positive changes in their neighborhoods.
Janice was one of the first graduates of the initial RLA pilot program in 2011. Taking part in the RLA program has provided her with a sense of connectedness with others and has inspired her to bring authenticity to her work.
“I’ve gained the confidence to impact policy,” Janice shares. “Asking questions like ‘why’ or ‘how can we change that,’ when talking to dignitaries and having a bold, positive attitude to set up those meetings with council members and heads of service agencies.”
Ten years later in 2021, Janice has expanded her community work as Co-Founder and current Executive Director of Mundo Gardens in National City, which focuses on community gardening and health advocacy. Mundo Gardens currently runs Joe’s Pocket Farm which includes opportunities for garden visits and community education. Aside from education on nutrition, Janice and her team share and educate others on art, music, and culture.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought its fair share of challenges to many, but Mundo Gardens adapted by partnering with food distribution centers in National City and Murphy’s Produce with Purpose to deliver healthy food to many families in National City.
“Food is a necessity,” said Janice. “The pandemic amplified disparities and these communities are high risk already. This is essential work.”
Janice is looking ahead to the future with shared hopes of expanding the garden and her work to support the re-entry population and prevent recidivism. Sustainability and mental health are top of mind, as well, as she continues to innovate with the times.
During these past 10 years, Janice and the community residents she works with have become pioneers in the community to advocate for change.
About Mundo Gardens
Mundo Gardens is a non-profit, social justice organization and community garden. While Mundo Gardens first started their work in 2010, its history dates back many years prior to a man named Jose Nuñez or Joe. Joe farmed a vacant plot of land near his home filled with fruits and vegetables and he shared all of this with the surrounding community. Following his move in 2008, the community garden was left untended and what was once a beautiful jungle of banana trees, citrus, and tomatoes became a weed-filled dumping grown. That’s where Janice, her family, and many community partners came in. Mundo Gardens aimed to revitalize the plot of land, now aptly named, Joe’s Pocket Farm.
For more information on the Mundo Gardens, please visit their Facebook page. For more information on the Resident Leadership Academy, please visit the Community Health Improvement Partners RLA page or the Live Well San Diego RLA page.
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