About
Far South/Border North is a regional collaboration led by the City of San Diego. It supports artists and cultural practitioners in improving the health and well-being of communities in San Diego and Imperial counties.
The program provides a vital platform for public messaging campaigns aimed at fostering awareness, social cohesion, and community connectivity, particularly in the region’s most impacted areas. The focus is on advancing health equity.
Far South/Border North enhances opportunities for artists and cultural practitioners to engage in public projects that address and raise awareness of critical social and ecological issues.
Key topics include public health—such as preventing the spread of COVID-19 and addressing health disparities—water and energy conservation, climate mitigation, civic participation, social justice, and community engagement.
The Food for Life campaign is made possible by funding provided by the Conrad Prebys Foundation and the California Arts Council. Together, we’re cultivating a culture of wellness, one nutritious meal at a time!
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @food4lifecampaign.
The Food for Life—Health & Wellness Equity Through Culinary Arts campaign aims to promote better health equity for youth by teaching healthier eating habits and basic cooking skills and providing accessibility and information about nutritional resources. This campaign addresses health disparities and promotes well-being, which is crucial in combating the spread of COVID-19 and related pandemic diseases.
The pandemic starkly illuminated the profound impact of underlying health conditions and poor lifestyle choices on morbidity rates, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. By emphasizing the importance of personal habits and behaviors in determining health outcomes, regardless of factors such as genetics or race, the campaign aims to empower schools, families, and communities, particularly those in the lowest quartile of the California Healthy Places Index, with simple tools and knowledge to make informed decisions about dietary habits.
The campaign occurred in urban farms and teaching kitchens at select high school campuses within targeted communities, engaging youth through interactive and hands-on learning experiences. It raised awareness about food production, distribution, and conservation processes through cooking and nutrition classes and field trips to local farms, growers, and “farm-to-table” sites.
A six-part video series documenting and preserving the campaign was produced. The program will air on cable TV networks in December 2024 and be available online on our YouTube channel, providing a platform for outreach and education beyond the immediate participants.
Food for Life aims to cultivate a deeper connection and shared sense of health and self-empowerment within communities, ultimately paving the way for a future where communities thrive and our youth lead fulfilling lives free from the burden of preventable diseases.
Led by experienced professionals, the team combines expertise in media production, culinary arts, and cultural advocacy to create a compelling and impactful documentary. With a shared passion for promoting health and wellness through food, this collaborative effort showcases the profound impact of culinary therapy on individuals and communities in San Diego.
Culinary Artists
Cathlyn Choi, dubbed the "Korean Food Ambassador," is a multi-award-winning TV show host and producer known for "Cathlyn’s Korean Kitchen," the first Korean TV cooking show in English on PBS, and "Asian Pacific Voices," a cultural and educational documentary series highlighting the Asian and Pacific Islanders in Southern California. Cathlyn has extensive experience working with professional chefs, promoting healthful Korean-inspired cuisines from 2008 to 2013.
Drawing on 30 years of restaurant-industry experience, Chef Eddie has led The Neighborhood Café since 2019. Born and raised in San Diego, he started his career at a local mom-and-pop café in Chula Vista. From there, Chef Eddie worked his way up to Sous Chef/Kitchen Manager at the Paradise Point Hotel, overseeing large-scale banquets and 30+ staff members. Chef Eddie’s drive to give back to the community inspired him to leave the corporate world and join The Neighborhood Café.
Chef Danielle received her formal training from San Diego Culinary Institute in 2009. Her family's southern background and growing up in the multicultural neighborhood of Torrance California has had a huge influence shaping Danielle's food prospective. She enjoys using culturally diverse, gourmet, high quality ingredients, seasonal organic produce, and locally sourced foods.
Marian McIntosh is a dedicated nutritionist at the San Diego American Indian Health Center, where she maintains records of clients' health progress and compares them to health goals. She recommends nutrition and fitness modifications to improve overall health, assists clients in finding new ways to inspire healthier habits, and supports the implementation of personalized patient health plans. Marian's expertise includes nutritional wellness and weight loss programs tailored to each client's needs.
Mercedes has been cooking since she could walk. Her earliest memory of cooking was providing full-course meals to her cabbage patch dolls during play time. Mercedes' love and passion for cooking began in her grandmother's kitchen. She fell in love with her family’s southern recipes and the art of using her hands to make delicious meals. Over time, she created one-pot meals and homemade herbal teas and catered several events. Mercedes has fused her love for cooking and serving others to create Eight16 Culinary Therapy.
Media Artists
Eric Michelson has over 25 years of experience in TV/film and video production spanning various arenas, including corporate training programs, commercials, music videos, live fashion and music events, short films and documentaries. Eric is the co-owner of Carma Media Productions. He has co-produced Cathlyn’s Korean Kitchen, including Top Chef Korean Food Challenge and Hansik Stories, for tvK24, ArirangTV, and PBS.
Marco owns MAC Motions, a San Diego-based media production company that creates captivating visual content. Primary roles include video director and photographer. A leader in various production projects, including Tascam, Netflix, and Dancing Astronaut. A current crew roster with companies Hayden5 and True Weddings of Southern California. In 2013, Curiel graduated from SAE Expression College for Digital Arts with a Bachelor's Degree focusing on Sound Arts & Engineering.
Nina Angela is a holistic esthetician passionate about empowering others in health and well-being. She blends skincare expertise holistically, focusing on self-care and mindfulness. In her personal life, she enjoys reading wellness and spirituality books, practicing daily meditation, and exploring new places with her husband and dog. Her commitment to holistic living through her work and personal interests inspires others to embrace their journey to health and vitality.
Ryan Stanly is an emerging filmmaker and musician. He has been interested in storytelling and creating visual media content since he was 13. Since 2014, Ryan has written, produced, and edited. He operates his own production business, Ryan Stanly Productions, providing production and post-production services. Ryan graduated from ACMA's Take One program in 2019 and has been assisting with the production of Asian Voices TV, including as an assistant instructor for the Take One program.
Cultural Practitioners
Dr. Angie Neison is a Family and Culinary Medicine Physician dedicated to preventive health. She champions that food is medicine and believes wellness begins with each meal. In the past four years, Dr. Neison has actively promoted wellness at Sharp, emphasizing human and planetary health through the “see one, do one, teach one” learning model.
Larry Edmonds is the Youth Program Manager of San Diego American Indian Health Center, which is dedicated to supporting Native American and Urban Indian youth. A full-blood Native American from the Kiowa/Caddo tribe of Oklahoma, he brings expertise in programming, outreach, and liaison work. Passionate about his community, Larry participates in Pow-Wows and cultural events.
Paul Maschka is the farm school and workshop instructor, farmer, and horticulture consultant at Wild Willow Farm & Education Center. Renowned for his expertise in sustainable agriculture and passion for reintroducing organic corn, Paul has successfully integrated environmentally friendly practices into various agricultural projects. His commitment extends to educating communities on sustainable agriculture, aiming to restore and preserve traditional farming methods.
Community Partners
Carma Media Productions has been a steadfast media partner and ally for the Asian Culture and Media Alliance (ACMA), providing invaluable in-kind donations for all of ACMA's programs. Their support has enabled the production of high-quality content that amplifies Asian Pacific Islander voices and highlights their rich cultural heritage. Carma Media Productions' dedication to inclusivity and cultural awareness has significantly strengthened ACMA’s mission to empower and uplift underserved communities since 2013.
Feeding San Diego is the leading hunger-relief foundation in San Diego County and the only Feeding America partner food bank in the region. Its rescue organization provides more than 35.4 million meals every year to children, families, seniors, college students, military families, veterans, people facing homelessness, and other underserved populations. They distribute meals in partnership with nearly 350 local charities, schools, faith communities, meal sites, and food pantries throughout the region.
Kroger is a leading supermarket chain offering various services, including online shopping, delivery, pickup, health services, and competitive grocery prices. Additionally, Kroger is committed to sustainability through its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste program, which aims to eliminate hunger in the communities it serves and reduce waste across its operations while addressing food insecurity and promoting environmental stewardship.
Liberation Through Art empowers marginalized voices and supports visual artists by fostering inclusive spaces through creativity. The organization is dedicated to using art as a powerful tool for social change, providing a platform for underrepresented communities to express themselves and share their stories. By promoting artistic expression and cultural diversity, Liberation Through Art inspires dialogue, challenges societal norms, and creates a more equitable and inclusive world for all.
The San Diego American Indian Health Center (SDAIHC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is a patient-centered health home that provides comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, and community wellness services to all San Diegans. SDAIHC provides patient-centered care for the whole person with a culturally informed approach and integrated services. It accepts various health insurance plans and offers home visits, online appointments, and wellness groups for patients and their families.
The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) provides comprehensive public transit services in the San Diego area, including buses, the San Diego Trolley, and Rapid services. In addition to offering reliable and accessible transportation options, MTS supports the community through initiatives like the Youth Opportunity Pass program, which provides free transit passes to young people aged 18 and under. This program aims to increase mobility, access to education, and opportunities for youth across the region.
The San Diego Hunger Coalition coordinates action to end hunger in San Diego County through comprehensive research, education, and advocacy. By uniting community partners and leveraging data-driven strategies, the coalition ensures that all residents have access to sufficient, nutritious food. Through its efforts, it aims to create a hunger-free San Diego where every individual can thrive.
The Second Chance Youth Garden program, serving young leaders, offers hands-on experience in urban agriculture and a range of educational workshops, with produce sold through a CSA and pop-up stands to support stipends, supplies, and instruction.
SunCoast Market Co-op is a grassroots effort to open a community-owned, full-service cooperative grocery store in Imperial Beach, California. SunCoast is part of a resurgence in food cooperatives across America that are strengthening local food systems, increasing access to healthy food, and providing needed retail outlets for small local farms and producers. We will open at 600 Palm Ave, Imperial Beach, in the Silver Strand Plaza.
The Soap Factory spans 40,000 square feet, is a private club with cozy lounge areas, two performance stages, and complete food and beverage service. Recently, they have embarked on developing a hydroponic garden to address the local food desert, providing fresh, locally-grown produce to the community.
Wild Willow Farm & Education Center is a five-acre working farm near the Pacific Ocean and the Mexican Border, along the scenic Tijuana River. Located just 15 minutes from downtown San Diego, it was established in 2010 by the San Diego Roots Foundation and is now managed by the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County. The farm acknowledges and honors the Kumeyaay Native people, the original stewards of this land, recognizing their enduring presence and deep connection to the area.
