LOS ANGELES—Heluna Health announced today the launch of Poquita’s Garden, a children’s book written and illustrated by award-winning artist Lalo Alcaraz, that connects early literacy with the critical mission of addressing food insecurity, and promotes nutrition education.
Set in Los Angeles, Poquita’s Garden tells the story of Amaya, a young girl who moves to the city and transforms a barren urban lot into a thriving community garden. Through colorful illustrations and a poignant narrative, the book teaches children about the importance of food access, the value of growing fresh, nutritious food, and the power of community.
“Poquita’s Garden is about more than planting seeds. It’s about showing kids where their food comes from and teaching them the value of growing their own food,” said Alcaraz. “It also honors the hard work of farmworkers, who are the backbone of our food system, especially in California, where agriculture plays such a significant role.”
The project marks Heluna Health’s first venture into publishing and is an extension of its mission to improve public health and nutrition.
Blayne Cutler, MD, PhD, president and CEO of Heluna Health, said that the book builds on the success of the Little by Little School Readiness Program (LBL), an early literacy initiative created by Heluna Health and funded by First 5 LA, along with other donors. LBL ensures that children have access to high-quality, age-appropriate books at home.
“Through Poquita’s Garden, we are bringing critical conversations about food access and nutrition to families in an engaging and accessible way,” Cutler said. “This is more than a story—it’s a call to action to address the systemic barriers that prevent families from accessing healthy food.”
Addressing Food Insecurity and Health Disparities
In Los Angeles County alone, more than 1.6 million residents live in food deserts, where access to affordable, nutritious food is limited. Statewide, approximately 3.2 million Californians face similar challenges.
Kiran Saluja, MPH, executive director of PHFE WIC, the nation’s largest nonprofit supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children (WIC) agency and a program of Heluna Health, said this lack of access has led to higher rates of obesity, diabetes and other diet-related health conditions, particularly among low-income families and communities of color.
“Food insecurity impacts physical and emotional well-being, especially for children,” Saluja said. “Poquita’s Garden is a wonderful way to inspire families to explore healthy eating habits and create a brighter, healthier future for their children.”
Expanding Impact Through Partnerships and Distribution
With support from Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., Heluna Health will distribute 10,000 copies of Poquita’s Garden to families across California. Most of the books will be given to participants in the PHFE WIC program and LBL, while others will be donated to schools, hospitals and community organizations.
To bring the book’s themes to life, Heluna Health is also hosting gardening workshops, educational activities and community events in collaboration with local nonprofits.
“We’re excited to see how this project can inspire not just individual readers, but entire communities to come together and advocate for food access and better health outcomes,” said Cutler.
Cutler said she hopes that Poquita’s Garden will inspire families and communities to take action against food insecurity and advocate for systemic change.
“With this book, we’re planting seeds—not just in the ground, but in the minds of children and families,” Cutler said. “Together, we can grow a healthier future for Los Angeles, California, and beyond.”
For more information about Poquita’s Garden and Heluna Health’s work, visit www.helunahealth.org.
About Heluna Health
For more than 50 years, Heluna Health has collaborated with community-based organizations, public health agencies, healthcare systems, providers and policymakers to enhance public health interventions that support expanded access to disease prevention, treatment, care and social resources. Heluna Health is at the forefront of efforts to research, develop and expand community-led interventions aimed at systemic change and improved health outcomes.
