At the end of the school year, Emily started a nutrition education series at Yokomi elementary. After each lesson students got a challenge to complete until she returned for the next lesson. Read more on that here. Today, Emily reflects on the impact of the lessons.

By teaching my Yokomi second graders every week, I was able to cover many topics, from hand washing to plant and animal proteins. I was amazed by how much they remembered from week to week, and the way they were able to build upon each lesson, always ready for a new challenge!

I made sure that my last lesson with my second graders was fun by reading Bearobics: A Hip-Hop Counting Story by Vic Parker.

In this story different animals engage in different dance moves; so what did the students do? They danced like animals!

From the mice tango to the kangaroo hop, the students were let loose in the classroom, learning that exercise can be a lot of fun.

As I said my final goodbyes, the students eagerly asked me what their challenge was this time. I hadn't prepared a challenge since I wouldn't check in with them again on their progress, but I made it their goal to exercise at least 60 minutes a day all summer.

I may not be there to see if they keep up with this challenge, but I know they've been provided the tools and the inspiration they need to keep this challenge, along with all of the healthy eating challenges they've received this school year. 

There are only a few more weeks until UC CalFresh is back on school campuses, working to build healthy families through nutrition and physical activity education. We can't wait!

Through a long standing partnership with UCCalFresh, all Jobs 2000 students complete a 4-week comprehensive nutrition class series centered on eating healthy and being more physically active.

Students are encouraged to eat healthfully by increasing their consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean-protein and low-fat dairy. They also learn ways to reduce the sugar, salt, and fat they consume.

Join us in congratulating our series graduates! (Left to right: Mike, Elaine, Anika, Elizabeth, Alexandria, Berenice, Ryan, and Nicole)

During the series students were exposed to affordable and easy to make healthy recipes.  Ryan (pictured above) led the way by volunteering to make a vegetable dip for his fellow classmates. This is what he had to say: “It made me aware of what to eat and how much… [it] made me aware of how much fat is in the food I eat.”

Students also enjoyed the activity dice. They learned that being active doesn't have to mean working out in a gym for hours at a time. When the goal is to get moving, every little bit counts!

Here is what the Jobs 2000 graduating class had to say about what they learned:

“The entire class has opened my eyes [to] several nutrition facts such as budgeting, looking at nutrition facts, and taking what I put into my body seriously” – Geniesha 

“I have learned so much with this nutrition class. I can't wait to teach my children healthy eating habits. I didn't know that my children are watching my bad eating habits. I am definitely changing starting today!” – Sarah 

“I learned how to better food plan...”    - Alexandria 

During the series, students gained the skills and knowledge necessary to propel them towards a healthier lifestyle. We wish them the best of luck on this journey!

School is out for the summer so we are taking a moment to reflect on the 2013-2014 school year!

Look through our photos below to see how UC CalFresh Nutrition Education teachers made the school year healthier!

Addams Elementary participates in Saturday Sports.

Bailey Elementary gets paid a visit by the Mobile Dairy Classroom!

Oscar Banuelos, a Sunset Elementary second grader, describes the texture of a mango while learning how to write about opinions.

Mrs. Kopacz's second grade class describes May's tasting through a writing assignment!

Sunset's preschool learns how Diego Rivera used fruits and vegetables in his paintings.

Sunset preschool students create their own version of "La Pinata"!

This year the University of California Cooperative Extension is celebrating 100 years of science and service.

On May 8th, 2014, individuals across the state had the opportunity to 'be a scientist'. From cutting cake to counting pollinators, the day was filled with honoring the vital link between universities and communities.

Watch our videos below to see how UCCE Fresno celebrated 100 years!