Creative Solution Emerges As Local Entrepreneur Tackles Sacramento’s Food Access Gaps

Danielle Rinderknecht's mother, raised in New Rochelle, New York, shared her childhood with three biological siblings and numerous foster siblings. To manage the large family, she often served oatmeal for breakfast, emphasizing the importance of finishing each meal.“My mom was determined not to repeat that for us,” Rinderknecht reflects. As a child, she detested Brussels sprouts but later, while living in New Orleans, re-evaluated them and discovered their appeal.Rinderknecht now advocates for healthy eating, partnering with the Sacramento County Office of Education's Farm 2 Family initiative. This program enriches local families with “community-supported agriculture” boxes filled with seasonal produce. Understanding the end-of-month food budget strains, she schedules distributions accordingly. Moreover, she incorporates less common items like golden giant Korean melons to encourage culinary exploration among children.Through collaborative community meals and recipe sharing, Rinderknecht aims to inspire families toward healthier living, all while cherishing traditions that reconnect them with food's origins.