Healthy Communities Blog

A child holds a cluster of tomatoes over her head as she smiles at a grocery store

The Healthy Communities Blog covers news about our work promoting the health and well-being of Californians and people across the country and globe.

Students graduate from nutrition classes offered by EFNEP in partnership with Project Access in Orange County.

Federal nutrition programs respond to COVID-19

February 1, 2021

By Jeannette Warnert

In the spring of 2020, UC Agriculture and Natural Resources' Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the CalFresh Healthy Living, UC (CFHL UC) Program faced the unprecedented experience of shelter-in-place and school closures due to COVID-19.

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California law requires schools to test students' drinking water for lead. (Photo: pxhere.com)

California schools test water for lead, 3% exceed state limit

January 27, 2021

By Jeannette Warnert

The first study of California law that requires schools to test tap water for lead found that the majority completed the testing on time, and only 3% reported any tested taps with lead in the water higher than the state's 15 parts per billion (ppb) limit.

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2 youth at stove stirring ingredients in 2 pots

Healthy Communities Blog: Article

UC and community partners provided virtual hands-on cooking demonstrations

January 8, 2021

By Suzanne Morikawa

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in Tulare County conducted virtual nutrition education and cooking demonstration classes last fall, empowering families to support their health with knowledge and skills to adopt healthy behaviors.

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Scientists believe a red pinwheel painted in a Kern County cave by Native Americans depicts a Datura flower swirling open. (Photo: Rick Bury)

Healthy Communities Blog: Article

Ancient Native Americans painted a common psychoactive weed in Kern County rock art

December 4, 2020

By Jeannette Warnert

An international team of researchers has established a connection between ancient Indian rock art painted in a Kern County cave and a common California plant that was used by Native Americans in their sacred rituals.

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Adult bed bugs are oval, wingless, about 1/5 inch long, and rusty red or mahogany in color. Photo by Dong-Hwan Choe

Californians get advice to stop bed bugs

November 17, 2020

By Pamela S Kan-Rice

Bed bugs can hitch rides on secondhand furniture, luggage, backpacks and other personal items to invade homes and attack people. While we rest and sleep on sofas and beds, the insects come out to feed. They want to suck our blood.

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