Puentes

After three years of service in Peace Corps Panama, Jeremy Terhune returned to Stockton, CA, inspired to address food insecurity in his hometown. In 2009, with the help of community volunteers, the first community garden was established at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds. This initiative grew into the founding of Boggs Tract Community Farm, transforming regional investments into programs that support food-based entrepreneurs and reconnect families with their food. The organization has played a crucial role in shifting local policy towards embracing urban agriculture.

The organization employs sustainable farming practices to cultivate vegetables, fruits, eggs, and honey. They focus on naturally grown produce and urban agriculture to address food insecurity. Their approach includes community gardens, educational programs, and urban forestry efforts, all aimed at fostering a healthy relationship between people and their environment.

The organization offers CSA food boxes, farm stand sales, gardening plots, educational certification programs, farm tours, after-school programs, and volunteer and internship opportunities. They also run the Children's Urban Farm Classroom, teaching students about nutrition and how to grow food. The name 'PUENTES' stands for Promotores Unidas Para La Educación Nacional Tecnologías Sostenibles, symbolizing their mission to build bridges within the community.