- 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
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.
- 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: Tacu Vang
- Editor: Emily Harris
On August 2nd, 2016, UC CalFresh was invited by the Housing Authority of Madera to participate in their National Night Out event. National Night Out is an annual event that is celebrated on the first Tuesday of August. Neighboring communities work together with law enforcement to create a culture of partnership for safer communities. UC CalFresh presented the workshop, "Milk is For Me," while the Housing Authority of Madera passed out books to children in the communities. National Night Out occurred at three different neighboring communities: the Malone Apartments, the Knox Apartments, and the Kennedy Apartments. UC CalFresh spent a total of 45 minutes at each site, which was a new, mobile approach that the team has not tried before.
Nutrition Educators, Angelica Perez and Maira Enriquez, work together to educate community residents.
All of the great books that were given out to the neighboring communities.
The UC CalFresh team working hard throughout the evening.
All in all, there was a great turn out for National Night Out in Madera, and the community loved the nutrition information and books they received. It was wonderful to see the residents partner with local law enforcement on a hot day to promote this event. The UC CalFresh team met many great people and hopes to be apart of this event next year.
