My journey to UC CalFresh was quite interesting. It started with two employees recruiting volunteers for the MEET program in my health class at Fresno State. I recall contemplating the idea of volunteering since I was going to have school commitments happening around the same time. Nonetheless, I found the program interesting and I wanted to know more about it and build more experience. Even my professor encouraged me since I was a few months away from graduation. I took the opportunity and sent in my application the day before it was due. When I received my confirmation and welcome to the program, I grew excitement to begin a great opportunity.  

In June, we had a mandatory training for all volunteers. I began volunteering for the MEET program in July. That was where the first opportunity was mentioned for open positions within their organization. My first thoughts were that it sounded like a great opportunity and I should consider the application process. A few weeks later, I considered reading the application and noted the specific requirements. I must admit I was a little intimidated by the job description and requirements. I submitted my application in July before the closure. I was called in for an interview around mid-August. It was a until a month later that that I got my call back with an offer for the position. I accepted the position late September. I was officially hired on October 16, 2017 a day before my birthday so that was a very nice gift for me. The entire process lasted about two months. Today, I am content with my position in the organization and with the rewarding mission I'm a part of. I'm glad I took the chance to apply and see the outcome come true. I'm blessed with this given opportunity to be a part of such a rewarding organization.  

Coraima Linares

Fresno and Madera Counties' UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program has a long-standing partnership with the Fresno State Dietetic Internship Program. This blog post is part of our Intern Reflections Series.

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During my short two weeks at UCCE, I had the privilege of meeting passionate individuals who gave 200% of their efforts to teach adult and children about the importance of living a healthy well-rounded life. The staff was friendly, and they created a great learning environment for me.   

I had the privilege of being part of the first poster party. Through this event, I learned that children enjoy creating projects that can be displayed in a communal area such as the cafeteria. I needed a serving of fruits and vegetables to regain my energy after that party! The children and I had a blast.

Helping a Rowell student choose his favorite fruit

I was also tasked with creating a Nutrition Corner. My goal for this assignment was to create a poster that was easy to understand for any age group. I wanted it to be colorful, and I wanted it to have few words. This assignment helped bring out the little creativity I have.

"Vary Your Vegetables" Nutrition Corner

My favorite part of this rotation was going to Vinland Elementary and teaching the little minds about the importance of protein and exercise. They were so excited to learn about the different types of protein and how physical activity helps build muscles. This event was very fun, but also a bit of a challenge. I learned that children need to be engaged in a fun visual activity or else they will focus their attention elsewhere. Thankfully I had Chris by my side to help me regain the children's attention. If the children lost focus, we would have them do quick fun exercises.

Doing fun exercises with Vinland students

On my last day at UCCE, I worked alongside Lorena, a Small Farms and Specialty Crop advisor, to conduct a taste test with a special leaf named moringa. Lorena is currently working with small farmers to bring moringa awareness to the public. This ancient leaf is packed with protein and other vitamins and minerals. This assignment was by far the most challenging part of the rotation. I was tasked with creating an original recipe that would incorporate moringa. Previously, I had never heard of moringa, and I did not know about its health benefits. I was not sure what it paired well with or how it tasted. So I put on my chef-thinking hat, and I created a recipe that looked appealing, and I chose to use ingredients that would mask the bitter taste of moringa. I created a modified version of moringa pesto pasta. The recipe came out yummmyyy!

Moringa pesto pasta recipe ready to be tasted

This rotation allowed me to experience the extensive preparation that is required to conduct a nutrition class. Not only does the educator have to know about the lesson they are going to teach, they also have to be prepared to answer questions and address many nutrition myths. Even though it takes a lot of preparation to teach these nutrition courses, they are very rewarding. Every class I observed I learned something new. The adults are looking for practical tips that will help them save time and money. The children are looking for interactive activities that are visually appealing and that allow them to use their motor skills. I will be able to use the tips I learned at UCCE CalFresh when I am providing nutrition education to future patient/clients.

First harvest is always an exciting time when gardening, but this first harvest proved to be extra special for a group of women and their children at Fresno Rescue Mission's Rescue the Children residential treatment program. RTC is a protected, secure environment that provides emergency and long-term services to at-risk, abused, homeless, or previously incarcerated women or women with children. UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program Fresno has been providing nutrition education to Rescue the Children for over five years and now garden education and support has been added to that collaboration. A conversation in a nutrition education class about the importance of fruits and vegetables led to the residents' expressing interest in gardening and asking how to grow your own vegetables. The UC CalFresh Garden Team leapt into action to collaborate with RTC residents to plan and implement a sustainable garden. This 12-18 month residential program for women and women with children continually receives new residents, but they all have the opportunity to learn and work in the garden and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

First harvest!

The women's prior experience with gardening was varied. Some shared fond memories of working in a garden with their grandparents or parents when they were children.  Most had minimal experience but all were eager and willing to learn and work.  UC CalFresh provided support through garden and nutrition education, seeds, seedlings and various garden supplies and tools. UC Master Gardener's were invited to collaborate.  They were introduced to the women of RTC and provided weekly garden education classes ranging in topics from basic gardening, irrigation, maintenance and composting. A Master Gardener even donated several gardening books to the RTC library for the residents to refer to for guidance and research including a copy of the California Master Gardener Handbook, which is considered the definitive guide to best practices and advice for gardeners throughout the West.

The facility had ample space for a garden, but there was still lots of work to do such as clearing weeds, un-stacking the raised garden beds that had been empty for a long time, and understanding how to work the existing drip irrigation system that had not been utilized to its full capabilities. Finally, in September 2017 the garden was planted. Radishes, spinach, potatoes, carrots, and squash were some of the vegetables that were planted.  Cilantro and rosemary was also planted in the garden beds. Although some beds produced more than others, all the residents enjoyed sharing this experience with each other as well as with their children. “I loved coming out here in the evening with my son to pull weeds and check on the garden. It's so peaceful out here,” stated one of the residents. Another resident compared growing a garden to nurturing a child. She stated you care for and love your child by tending to their needs the same way you would for the plants in the garden.

Learning all about drip irrigation from a Master Gardener

Planted and labeled!

The farm to table movement has definitely become a part of Rescue the Children's resident's daily lives. In addition to the garden, a composting area has been maintained with the community kitchen scraps. Learning about composting has been practical and useful. Many women stated they had never realized how kitchen scraps could be beneficial to a garden. The first harvest in November provided many delicious vegetables that the kitchen staff used in preparation for the Thanksgiving meal. Everything harvested from the garden is used in the community kitchen for all to enjoy. This hands-on learning experience has impacted not only over 35 adult residents of RTC but over 20 school-aged children as well. The hard work and rewards of the garden are providing a valuable experience for everyone. The lessons on nutrition and gardening will be remembered long after the women have graduated from RTC. They have acquired the necessary skills and knowledge to maintain a healthy lifestyle for themselves and their families.                                                          

Composting bins ready for kitchen scraps!

I first heard about UC CalFresh while I was volunteering with a local organization. They had a booth at a community event and I learned so much about what the program does for Fresno County. I was interested with the work that they do so I visited the UC CalFresh website and contacted the volunteer coordinator. They were still altering the MEET Volunteer program, so I was put on the contact list for volunteer candidates. I was told I would be contacted at the end of the spring semester which was around graduation. When the MEET program was ready, I filled out an application and attended the orientation in June 2017. During the orientation staff members mentioned that there were open positions to be part of the UC CalFresh team and they encouraged us to apply. I knew this would be a great opportunity for me because I had recently graduated, and I could get a lot of experience. I applied for the position in July and I was called for an interview in August. I continued volunteering during this time to complete my hours and to also get more familiar with the work that was done around the office. I was offered the position in September and began working in mid-October. I have enjoyed working here and I am looking forward to all the positive changes we will bring to Fresno County.