- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller
For one stop nutrition, food policy and agricultural news, become a follower of UC Food Observer. This newly launched University of California blog and multi-social media format is part of the UC Global Food Initiative and provides a diverse daily dose of information in the areas of food systems and sustainable agriculture.
UC Food Observer content for website and social media is curated by Dr. Rose Hayden-Smith, a UC academic and author whose work focuses on how historical models can influence contemporary food and agricultural policy and practice within the context of creating a sustainable and just food system. Hayden-Smith holds four degrees from UC, including master's degrees in education and U.S. history and a doctorate in U.S. history.
Previously, Hayden-Smith served as the leader for UC Agriculture and Natural Resources' strategic initiative in sustainable food systems. She has served as a UC Cooperative Extension 4-H and Master Gardener advisor in Ventura County.
- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller
4-H Student Farm at HAREC is a collaboration with Ventura Unified School District and Food Corps. The farm produced over 800 pounds of food last school year. They are well on their way to top that this year. Spring student farmers return for spring session in March 2015.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4CTVAbATGg
- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller
As part of the School Wellness Policy, Sycamore Canyon School in Newbury Park offers a school-wide taste testing nutrition program called, Try It You'll Like It! The program is designed to introduce youth to a variety of fruits and vegetables and raise excitement about trying something new. Monthly, seasonal tastings are offered during morning recess for grades K-5. Registered Dietitian, and parent of three boys, Chrissy Malone, understands the importance of establishing healthy eating habits in young children and says she was excited to help organize the program now in its sixth year. Past offerings have included purple carrots, sugar snap peas, kiwi, grape tomatoes, Asian pears, grapefruit, and jicama. In addition, students learn where the food comes from, how it grows, and other fun facts. The program is supported by the school PTSA and the community sponsors.
As students pour out into playground the big Try it You'll Like It! sign with colorful balloons and informational display grabs their attention. Some run right over while others approach with caution. Students are greeted by friendly parent volunteers handing out samples. They are praised for participating and encouraged to vote—thumbs up or thumbs down. Grade level votes are collected and stickers are handed out for those brave enough to taste.
Today, HAREC supported Try it, You'll Like It! by providing Fuyu persimmons. While handing out samples, the students asked many great questions…What is it? Where does it grow? What country are they from? Where can I buy these? Can I have seconds? The persimmon tasting was a great success creating a buzz and spurring conversation among the students. To extend the learning opportunity to parents, Malone displays the informational poster with nutrition facts and recipes in the school office throughout the month. Over 700 students participated in today's activity and for the majority, it was definitely a thumbs up experience.
- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller
Participants from near and far gathered at HAREC on November 1 for training on the 4-H Sustainable You! Summer Camp curriculum (grades 4-6) developed by Dr. Rosalyn Brain and colleagues from Utah State University. Educators from Kearney and Desert RECs, 4-H leaders from Riverside and Ventura Counties as well as local teachers, parents, and garden educators from various Ventura County school districts enjoyed a day of learning and hands-on activities.
Dr. Hayden-Smith, Sustainable Food Systems Strategic Initiative Leader and 4-H Youth, Family and Community Development Advisor, introduced the workshop and relayed staggering statistics on food waste. Recent research indicates that as a nation, we waste 40% of the food we produce. Americans throw out approximately $180 billion worth of food-an 8% increase since 2008-the last time the USDA calculated the total value of food loss from households, markets, and other food providers. She stressed the importance of starting the dialogue with youth and utilizing the activities from the Sustainable You! curriculum that center around food waste. She also reported that preliminary research conducted among youth participants at an HAREC program, the most significant behavior change as a result of education and intervention was seen in this area.
Chris Massa, 2014 REC summer intern, currently a Food Corps member based in Ventura helped lead the activities. The workshop, structured to simulate a camp setting, covered the five major areas of sustainability: land, air, food, energy, and water.
- Author: Susana C. Bruzzone-Miller
The 4-H Student Farm is off and running for the 2014-2015 school year. New and returning student farmers from Balboa Middle School have already laid irrigation tape and planted their new crops. Chris Massa, Food Corps member is back to lead the group in agriculture and cooking lessons each Friday after school.