Jefferson Ready recently held a carnival full of games, music and folklorico dancing. UC CalFresh had fun with students shooting pool noodle arrows trying to hit the 5 food group targets.  Each attempt earned tickets for a drawing of books to read over the summer.  Not into archery, no worries, UC CalFresh also had a spin wheel where students earned tickets by answering questions about the food groups like "Fruits are a great substitute for High-Fat Desserts".  With vacation just around the corner, this event emphasized the need for enjoying recreational activities during the summer.  Don't be a couch potato - get up and move!

Have you ever made English muffin pizza or grilled a bean burrito on a griddle?  Students from Roosevelt Ready After School program created these masterpieces during their recent "Chop Jr." competition.  CalFersh Healthy Living|University of California provided just a handful of ingredients for the participants.  Students had the opportunity to master their skills using different textures and tastes together for members of the schools' administration to judge.  In the end two winners were announced.  During the competition, students not competing enjoyed physical activity and danced their afternoon away to songs like Macarena, Cha, Cha, Slide and Speedy Gonzalez.

UCCE in partnership with the Department of Hospitality Management at West Hills Community College - Lemoore and preschools located at the college campus embraced a collaborative approach to promoting healthy eating and active living by helping preschoolers learn the concepts and taste Go Glow Grow foods.  During April - May, 2019, collaborative partnership efforts captivated preschoolers' attention with key MyPlate messages and tastes tests. All of the preschoolers received six weeks of Go Glow Grow curriculum education from UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program, while twelve community college students from the culinary department shared recipes and conducted food demonstrations and taste tests.  Nine preschool teachers consistently supported the program.  Upon completion of the program, preschoolers received a graduation certificate and a chef's hat. Success stories, lesson observations and activities indicated increased knowledge of preschoolers about MyPlate food groups and willingness to try foods from all food groups. What began as a needs assessment to examine the nutrition practices of early childhood education settings, this program ended on a promising note to continue promoting the health and well-being of young children!

Students participating in the Lakeside Elementary After School Program had a fun filed afternoon of organized games from the CATCH activity box.  Each class participated in Crows & Cranes, Rainbow and Partner tag followed with an obstacle course where they could show off their talents of jumping hurdles, throwing bean bags and shooting pool noodle arrows.  The smiles on their faces said it all when the day ended with a healthy snack of popcorn and water.