Connolly Honors the Ceres Community Project as Nonprofit of the Year

The Ceres Community Project helps deliver nutrient-rich foods to vulnerable families

• Isabella Jimenez
• [email protected]

SACRAMENTO, CA -Assemblymember Connolly (D-San Rafael) recognized the Ceres Community Project as the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year for Assembly District (AD) 12. The Ceres Community Project provides free or low-cost nutrient-rich meals to low-income community members diagnosed with serious, chronic or complex illnesses. The nonprofit also empowers youth across AD12, by providing an opportunity for leadership through volunteering. Volunteer positions range from gardeners to chefs and gives direct, hands-on experiences of serving our communities.

"I am proud to recognize the Ceres Community Project as our Nonprofit of the Year and honor their work in providing locally produced, fresh and healthy meals to those who need it the most," said Assemblymember Connolly. "The Ceres Community project reflects AD12's dedication to providing for our communities and uplifting local growers. I was happy to have them here in Sacramento, representing the best of our district."

The Ceres Community Project provides an average of 4,500 meals per week. During COVID-19, the organization began offering meals to 62% of their clients who were facing food insecurity and in 2021 launched a perinatal pilot program to serve low-income pregnant people. The pilot program resulted in 92% of pregnant people reporting that the service helped them recover better after birth and reduce stress.

"Ceres Community Project is deeply honored that Assemblymember Connolly selected us as the Assembly District 12 Nonprofit of the Year," said Cathryn Couch, Chief Executive Officer of Ceres Community Project. "Ceres provides 100% organic and locally sourced medically tailored meals for very low-income communities members struggling with serious illness. As part of that work, we collaborate with hundreds of nonprofit healthcare and social service partners and see first-hand every day the critical role that nonprofits play in our communities."

As the voice for California's nonprofit community, the California Association of Nonprofits has partnered with the California Legislature in celebrating the eleventh year of California Nonprofits of the Year. Assemblymember Connolly was proud to honor the Ceres Community Project as Assembly District 12's Nonprofit of the Year at the California State Capitol, recognizing their unwavering dedication to providing low-income and vulnerable families with fresh, heathy and locally produced meals.

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Assemblymember Connolly represents the entirety of Marin County and Southern Sonoma County