- Author: Hannah Lee
The wonderful staff at Ayer Elementary School invited the UC CalFresh team to be part of the fun at their Spring Carnival! Schools hold so many wonderful events throughout the year, and this carnival was a great opportunity to add some nutrition education and physical activity to the fun!
We set up a colorful and interactive booth so parents, students, and Ayer staff could learn more about eating healthy and staying active.
This student planned a delicious, balanced meal with UC CalFresh Nutrition Educator Hannah, using a MyPlate and food models.
Nutrition Educator Elizabeth helped students sort food models into MyPlate hula hoops. The kids got quite a kick out of running back and forth, and teaching each other what food group the models belonged to.
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Over 100 students and parents came to visit us and learn more about healthy eating and staying active. To learn more for yourself, check out ChooseMyPlate.gov and keep an eye out for UC CalFresh at events near you!
- Author: Angelica Perez
- Editor: Emily Harris
UC CalFresh had a special visitor stop by to see what impact our nutrition program is having in Madera Unified School District. Ms. Nava's 2nd grade class at La Vina Elementary School learned all about “Varying Your Protein Food Choices" along with Congressman Jim Costa. This lesson focused on choosing a healthy balance of plant and lean animal protein foods every day. The students put their knowledge to the test during a group activity, where they helped each other sort out what foods come from plant sources and what foods come from animal sources.
Costa even participated in mixing together the Mango and Black Bean Salad recipe with Nutrition Program Coordinator, Angelica Perez. He began calling himself, “Mr. Mixer” during the recipe activity, which the students loved! A couple of students even asked for seconds from Mr. Mixer!
Students also joined in on an indoor physical activity called "Animal Charades" with Nutrition Educator, Austin Cantrell. They had fun acting out different animals without making a sound. Overall, the students enjoyed the experience and learned what Costa's role is as a congressman, and how he represents our Central Valley communities in Washington, D.C.
Pictured above, Principal Navarro, Ms. Nava and Congressman Jim Costa at La Vina Elementary in Madera, CA.
- Author: Angelica Perez
Have you ever wondered how to enhance a food tasting? In Madera Unified School District, Mrs. Nava decided to make an English assignment activity with a nutrition twist for her 2nd grade class. The English assignment consisted of the students getting into groups to come up with adjectives that described what they thought of the kidney bean tasting they tried in November. Once completed, the assignment was displayed on their classroom's Nutrition Corner.
Trying to fill a nutrition corner with student work or activities doesn't have to be too difficult or take up too much time out of your day. Ideas can sometimes be as easy as combining the assignment you had originally planned, but altering the topic or theme.
Who doesn't like to talk about food?
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Are you a teacher enrolled in the UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program?
Has your class completed similar nutrition assignments?
- Author: Angelica Perez
- Editor: Emily Harris
The Housing Authority of Madera County collaborated for the 3rd year with UCCE for summer nutrition classes. This year UC CalFresh was able to hold multiple classes at two different sites to reach all audiences: seniors, adults and youth.
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"You can never get enough education," was something Nutrition Coordinator, Angelica Perez, learned from teaching seniors. Using the Eat Smart, Live Strong curriculum, the senior participants learned the benefits of getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily and consuming three and a half cups of fruits and vegetables every day. The group really appreciated the break out sessions where they shared recipes and ideas of how to incorporate more physical activity into their lives. The participants were very thankful to have UC CalFresh come and hold classes about nutrition, and many shared that the class helped them to create healthier habits throughout the weeks the lessons were held.
Angelica Perez teaching the Eat Smart, Live Strong Curriculum to participants in Madera County.
Maira Enriquez leading the physical activity portion of the class.
Another nutrition education series was held at the Madera Plaza Apartments. In this series, UC CalFresh reached families with the Plan, Shop, Save and Cook for the parents and the My Amazing Body youth curriculum for the kids. In the Plan, Shop, Save and Cook Series, one participant shared how she saved money on her monthly grocery bill by implementing the tips from the class.
Maira Enriquez teaching Plan, Shop, Save and Cook to the Madera Plaza participants.
Angelica Perez and Tacu Vang demonstrate the recipe for the Plan, Shop, Save and Cook Curriculum.
The youth class was also very successful, and the children at the Madera Plaza Apartments really enjoyed the nutrition activities and tastings of different foods from the five food groups.
Tacu Vang teaching the youth class about germs and how to properly wash their hands.
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Summer always ends with good memories! The classes allowed for new participants to be reached with information regarding nutrition, physical activity and food safety. UC CalFresh looks forward to future collaborations with the Housing Authority of Madera County and the families of Madera County.
- Author: Consuelo Cid
- Editor: Emily Harris
Garden-based learning offers a myriad of benefits to students.
Garden based learning:
- Allows teachers to integrate multiple subject areas like the natural and social sciences, mathematics, language arts, and nutrition.
- Enhances academic achievement.
- Connects students with nature.
- Teaches environmental stewardship.
- Encourages time outdoors.
Gardening grows more than just gardens: it grows students' minds!
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Vang Pao Elementary teacher, Jacquie Henderson, started a school garden during the 2015-2016 academic school year. Henderson is excited to expand her classroom garden this upcoming school year. Let's see what bounty they cultivated this past school year...
Can you guess what's growing at Vang Pao?
If you guessed yellow summer squash and tomatoes, you are correct!
Looks likes it's almost time to harvest again!
The garden was made possible by the work of Henderson's fifth grade class and students in the garden club at Vang Pao Elementary. They did an amazing job, and even donated their first harvest! Students enjoyed tasting the fruits of their labor, or in this case, the vegetables of their labor!
Great job Henderson's fifth grade class! I look forward to seeing what produce you decide to plant this school year.
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Did you know...
August 7-13, 2016 is National Farmers Market Week!
