Photos: Groceryships helps pilot group navigate troubled times

Groceryships founder Sam Polk, left, hugs Yohana Funes during the ceremony. “They have made me feel physically, mentally and emotionally beautiful,” she said of the group’s organizers and participants.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Eara Pollard, 45, listens with pride to speeches by her fellow Groceryships graduates. A few months into the course, she had said, “I might not be where I want to be, but I looked in the cabinets and we don’t eat like we used to.”  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Helen Langley, 54, was wary at first of Groceryships -- “Who are these white people coming to South-Central?” -- but soon opened up to the group.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Yohana Funes, middle, walks up to the front of the room during Groceryships’ graduation ceremony. The program teaches nutrition and provides a support group.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Juana Madera, right, attends the graduation ceremony. The six-month program started with a pilot group of eight women, and seven stayed until the end.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Helen Langley, left, Sam Polk, Eara Pollard, program director Angela Carrasco, Yohana Funes, Juana Madera, Brenda Rosales and Maria Rosales celebrate the end of their six months together talking about reaching for health in an unhealthful environment.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Helen Langley, 54, left, hugs Groceryships program director Angela Carrasco at the graduation. The group watched films, got handouts about nutrition, and learned to cook several dozen healthful dishes.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Groceryships graduate Yohana Funes, right, talks with her daughter Stephanie, 15, while preparing salad and chicken breasts for her family’s dinner on a Friday. Before the program, she said, she would have ordered them pizza and soft drinks every Friday.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Groceryships graduate Yohana Funes makes a colorful salad for her family.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Groceryships graduate Yohana Funes, left, serves a healthful dinner for her family, including Jonathan, 3, and Stephanie, 15. Her husband is out for a jog.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)