- Author: Nancy R. Zumkeller
- Contributor: DeAnna Molinar
Over the course of 5 weeks, Ben Benavidez Elementary School parents committed to learning about healthy habits for themselves and their families. The graduates of the Plan, Shop, Save and Cook nutrition education series practiced reading and understanding food labels, shopping for sale items while using a written grocery list, and planning healthy meals for the family.
"Now...my kids [know] how to read nutrition facts, they are checking every label in our kitchen!" -Maria Hernandez.
Planning meals ahead of time has been a real time saver for participant Rosa Hernandez, "It really helps my day when I don't have to go to the store all the time to get what I need."
The recipes prepared at each lesson demonstrated how healthy meals do not have to be expensive or time consuming. Participants are now very familiar with the MyPlate model and plan to utilize it when thinking about their next food choice.
Principal Alan Macedo joined the class weekly to encourage parents to continue on this journey of health and well-being.
These parents are definitely role models for the school and community as they put into practice what they have learned from the UC CalFresh nutrition education program.
UC CalFresh also works with teachers to provide nutrition education to students. This comprehensive approach to nutrition helps ensure that families in the Central Valley are healthy and thriving!
- Author: Shelby MacNab
This year, the University of California Cooperative Extension celebrates our Centennial. That's right, we have hit 100 years of providing services to residents of the state of California!
Watch our Centennial video here:
You may have spotted the billboard that celebrates this major milestone. If not, take a peak at it next time you are traveling on 99 south, near Shaw Ave.
For more information, visit ucanr.edu
- Author: DeAnna Molinar
Sometimes a little creativity is all that is required!
Who knew that a paper plate could turn into a unique and creative nutrition lesson? Students in Mrs. Ramirez's TK class had fun and learned about the importance of MyPlate.
Congratulations Bailey Bears for encouraging your students to eat foods from all five food groups!
- Author: Shelby MacNab
Know a kid that loves to cook? Tell them about this nationwide recipe challenge now!
Together, with the help of their parents, children ages 8 – 12 years old are invited to submit an original lunch recipe inspired by MyPlate. They could win the chance to attend the Kids' “State Dinner” hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House in Washington, D.C.
Entries must be received by April 5, 2014 for a chance to win!
To learn more about this amazing opportunity and to enter the Healthy Lunchtime Challenge, visit: http://www.recipechallenge.epicurious.com/
--Re-blogged from choosemyplate.gov---
- Author: Shelby MacNab
UC Cooperative Extension's Nutrition Advisor, Kristen Stenger, recently attended a training from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Denver, Colorado. After completing the training, Kristen obtained a "Certificate of Training in Childhood and Adolescent Weight Management."
At this training session Kristen learned about current, research-based practices on healthy weight maintenance for youth from the country's leading Registered Dietitian Nutritionists, Exercise Physiologists, and Psychologists.
"I brought back some incredible resources that can help us expand and enhance our nutrition education programs!", says Kristen.
