- Author: Evelyn Morales
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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Teaching MyPlate with an elementary class
I cannot think of a better way to end my internship experience than with this unique rotation at UC Calfresh. Though I have a rich background in community service, I have never been exposed to such an active group of people working together to deliver nutrition education to such a wide range of population groups, all while having tons of fun in the process. Although my two weeks here flew by there was never a dull moment. From the start, I had the opportunity to observe and assist at Jobs 2000, a program by Proteus Inc, a premier provider of training, education, and community services within the agriculturally rich Central San Joaquin Valley. I emphasized with this group of individuals. Reason being, much like most the people in the class I also grew up on the "wrong side of the tracks" per say. I am familiar with the hardships of being a teen dad while trying to find meaningful employment to support my family. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to return the following week and lead a lesson on smart shopping and reading nutrition labels. Overall the class was a lot of fun, and I believe I helped make an impact.
Rescue the Children's garden beds
Reflecting back, its safe to say each day was both insightful and exciting. For instance my second day I helped assist in lessons and conducted my first food demo at Rescue the Children, a protective, secure environment that provides long-term services to at-risk, abused, homeless, previously incarcerated women, or women with children. These groups of women were very receptive to learning about nutrition fundamentals and basic gardening skills. If you ever felt that mushy heartfelt feeling, well, this was one of those days for me. I had an excellent and fun time with these women. My heart truly goes out to these ladies, and I sincerely wish them the best.
Reading The Very Hungry Caterpillar to students
Throughout my internship, I've heard interns talk about their great experience teaching MyPlate in elementary schools. Full disclosure, when I got word that I will be assisting in lessons and class activities at Slater Elementary School, I was beyond nervous. In my mind teaching elementary students meant being animated and the ability to talk in a playful voice. Being that I was in the military for eight years as a combat infantryman and having a deep monotone voice, I am the total opposite of that. I was dreading being out of my comfort zone and yet, it ended up being one of my favorite experiences. Reading and teaching some yoga moves to the first graders was the cutest thing ever.
"Commit to Be Fit" Nutrition Corner
During this rotation, each intern is to develop a nutrition corner presentation board of their choosing. Nutrition Corners are centered on MyPlate and are designed to enhance school environments by providing indirect nutrition education that is appealing to students, parents, and educators. I am incredibly passionate about implementing physical activity in everyday life, so I decided to base my Nutrition Corner topic on physical activity and went with the theme "Commit to Be Fit." Keeping in mind that less is more and being careful to not clutter the poster board I decided to implement five simple tips on incorporating physical activity into any lifestyle. These include taking at least 10 minutes of activity at a time to reach a weekly goal, being active in one's own way, using what is available to plan activities that require little or no equipment or facilities, and limiting screen time to no more than 2 hours a day. Interestingly, I was later informed that my Nutrition Corner will be located at Jobs 2000. Knowing they use The Eating Smart • Being Active curriculum, I decided to implement a section of the accompanying smartphone free mobile app. The app is designed to allow participants to use some of the skills they learn in class between lessons and after they graduate from the lesson series.
Moringa recipe samples
On my final day, I participated in the moringa project. Moringa is a unique tree that is drought resistant that does not require any special soil and is remarkably nutritious. Parts of it are often eaten in underdeveloped countries as a nutritional supplement because it's high in protein, vitamins A, and C, iron, calcium, and zinc. My task was to create a recipe of my choosing and formulate a different version of the method by adding or removing ingredients, making healthier versions, or making it taste better. The goal is to create a unique and delicious moringa recipe. I decided to use moringa powder in energy bites. Energy bites are one of the latest on-the-go health trends because they are super easy to make, and like smoothies, they're an opportunity to get creative with nutritious foods. I figure this would be a great way to promote the use of moringa powder in health trending recipes.
UCCE staff trying the moringa energy bites
I want to thank the UC Calfresh staff for their time and effort in providing this memorable learning experience. Thank you for your time and allowing me the opportunity to expand my skills as an active member of our community. But most importantly for reinforcing the importance of community involvement, building relationships, and provide a service to those who need it most.
- Author: Evelyn Morales
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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Over my two weeks with UC Cal Fresh, I was able to observe many different teaching styles, lessons, and how to engage and respond to participants. Having the opportunity to travel to different schools and adult programs, including Ayer and Viking Elementary Schools, the VA Hospital, and Jobs and Beyond, gave me a better understanding of the populations that UC CalFresh serves. I was able to see how the lessons progress in what the children are taught from kindergarten through 5th grade and how much information they receive.
Cassie reads Potter the Otter to the an elementary class
The books used for the lessons were great. I was able to see that the kids really learn from them and enjoy listening. From all of the lessons and classes I observed in the elementary schools, the repetition of the lesson theme really kept the children engaged. I also really enjoyed teaching the class of 5th graders about MyPlate and playing breakfast bingo to discuss the importance of a healthy breakfast. Throughout my education, I have not had much opportunity to work with children, so this rotation has helped give me that experience. With the lessons I have observed, assisted with, and taught I have noticed that it can be challenging to keep the participants engaged and on task.
Teaching students about the importance of hand washing
In regard to the adult classes, I really learned how to address questions that I do not have an answer for and how some recommendations can be based on personal preferences. I really liked that with the adult classes, it is emphasized that they are learning recommendations and that it is up to them to choose what they listen to and practice in their life. This is something that I have learned about in school, and it was great to hear it talked about in classes. While assisting with the adult classes, I was able to help answer questions and this was fun because I didn't have much opportunity for this with the youth classes.
UC CalFresh coordinator Hannah and Cassie serve a radish, cilantro, and spinach tasting to a transitional kindergarten class - picked fresh from their own garden!
Finally, I really enjoyed being a part of the garden harvest and tasting event at Ayer Elementary. Because of this program, these children are being exposed to the opportunity to grow food and try what they have grown. That is such a great experience for these children. I have learned and realized how much education is done with UC Cal Fresh and how important this work is. So far in my internship, I have mainly been at community-based rotations, and I have found that I really enjoy community outreach and nutrition education. This rotation has made me realize that even more. These past two weeks have gone by too quickly, and I have enjoyed all of it.
- Author: Elizabeth Lopez
UC CalFresh launched the new and improved Eating Smart, Being Active nutrition classes in Madera county. The first stop was Virginia Lee Rose Elementary! To reach parents, UC CalFresh partnered with the Parent Resource Center. Parent Resource Centers are found at seven elementary schools within Madera Unified School District. Their goal is to provide resources that will help parents with their children's education while also encouraging parents to become involved in their children's school.
With the help of Parent Resource Center staff, UC CalFresh was able to host a nutrition series for Virginia Lee Rose parents from March to April. Parents who participated, learned proper knife skills, how to make meals healthy and be physically active, and so much more!
While some had experience following a recipe, for others, this was their first time following a recipe and measuring out ingredients. The five parents who participated in the class series expressed that they enjoyed the experience and the information learned.
- Author: Ashley Elisabeth Abrahamson
Sugary beverages are a sneaky source of excess sugar and calories. According to the CDC (2017), every day 63% of children and 49% of adults drink a sugar-sweetened beverage. Increasing awareness of how to identify and visualize amounts of sugar on a nutrition label can help people make healthier beverage choices.
On May 16th, UC CalFresh took part in the Champions for Change: Rethink Your Drink Day campaign. Nutrition educators Ashley Abrahamson and Nora Lopez set up an informational activity booth at UC Walks Day at the Garden of the Sun in Fresno. Their display included nutrition facts of common sugary beverages and bowls to measure the amount of sugar so that participants can truly see what the sugar content in their favorite drinks looks like. Participants were also encouraged to use the Beverage Breakdown website to see how much sugar they end up drinking throughout the entire day. To finish the event, participants were provided a sample of refreshing cucumber and mint water.
The Statewide Day of Action was conducted at over 308 sites, sharing valuable information that will encourage healthier choices across the state!
Are you ready to rethink your drink? Try the beverage breakdown here!
UC CalFresh Fresno/Madera County will also particpate in Champions for Change Statewide Day of Action: Healthy Snack Day on August 29th, 2018
- Author: Ruth Salazar
UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program has continued its partnership with Madera's Community Action Partnership of Madera County Head Start by providing nutrition lessons. On May 7th the Madera UC CalFresh Team had the opportunity to present to Madera's Head Start teachers on how to utilize our Happy Healthy Me… Moving, Munching & Reading Around My Plate curriculum.
Elizabeth Lopez presenting at the training
This curriculum's goal is to have 4-6 years old children develop healthy eating and physically activity habits that will last a lifetime. At the training the staff demonstrated the many aspects that the curriculum has to offer such as physical activity games, nutrition activities, and arts and crafts that correlate with the specific lesson. After completing the training more than 50 teachers have been trained and enrolled on the curriculum. More than sixty children will benefit from this training through their teachers new skills in the curriculum.
Head Start teachers attending the training
Ruth and Elizabeth explaining the activities from Happy Healthy Me curriculum
