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.

Men belong in the kitchen. Women belong in the kitchen. Children belong in the kitchen.  EVERYONE belongs in he kitchen as evidenced by the participants in the "CHOP" cook off event held at Jefferson Charter School.  The READY after school program invited students and parents to compete in a cooking event.  A few basics were provided but the families were able to bring their own secret ingredients to make a special plate for the judges to taste.  While the points were close, the Herrera family came up with the winning dish.  Congratulations to all the participants! 

CHOP CHOP!  Lee Richmond after school Ready students and their family members had 30 minutes to prepare a delicious dish for a panel of three judges.  Each team was furnished with basics like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, tortillas, rice and beans.  The team was allowed to bring their own ingredients to make the dish their own. Stomachs were growling from the delightful aroma in the room. Each team described their dish but the judges had the hard task of tasting and determining just one winner who now has bragging rights for the ensuring year.