When students are involved in their schools, they feel a greater sense of belonging. That is why Vinland Elementary principal, Jeanarta Coe, encouraged teachers and students to get involved in the planting of new trees on their school campus! 

Tree Fresno came out to plant a dozen trees around the field and blacktop at Vinland Elementary. Students helped add the soil and nutrient packs to the trees during the planting process. From this activity, students learned about the benefits of trees and the nutrients, food and water that trees need in order to grow. 

The new trees planted are drought tolerant, fast growing trees that will help provide shade for students during hot summers. The new trees also filter the air and help block out the sounds of the street in front of the school.

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Tree Fresno has been planting trees in several Fresno Unified elementary schools this year due to a grant they received. They will continue to care for the trees and routinely check up on them to make sure they are growing healthy and strong. In January, Roeding Elementary and Thomas Elementary are also scheduled to receive new trees. If you would like to get involved in tree plantings, you can visit their website and sign up as a volunteer: TreeFresno.org

UC CalFresh was able to showcase its very first obstacle course for Madera Unified School District at La Vina Elementary School Harvest festival on October 28, 2016. The students were thrilled to go through the obstacle course and Nutrition Coordinators, Consuelo Cid and Angelica Perez, enjoyed sharing the benefits of the MyPlate-themed obstacle course. 

Consuelo Cid, above, showcasing the obstacle course.

The obstacle course consisted of three stations: the Whole Grain Hops, where students hopped a variety of ways, the Dairy Dunes, which made the students jump over and go under two bars, and the last obstacle, where the students were able to throw a bean bag through the Fruit Hoops.

Angelica Perez, above, watching the students toss the beanbags through the Fruit Hoops.

The obstacle course was a great success and the students had lots of fun. Even Pete, the MyPlate Superhero, joined in on the fun and sat on the information table to greet the students and parents at La Vina Elementary.

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If any Fresno/Madera schools are interested in setting up a MyPlate-themed obstacle course, contact UC CalFresh Nutrition Educator Austin Cantrell at ajcantrell@ucanr.edu or (559) 241-7505. 

The Housing Authority of Madera County collaborated for the 3^rd 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.