Parlier Plan, Shop, Save and Cook series graduates

Over the course of 5 weeks, Ben Benavidez Elementary School parents committed to learning about healthy habits for themselves and their families. The graduates of the Plan, Shop, Save and Cook nutrition education series practiced reading and understanding food labels, shopping for sale items while using a written grocery list, and planning healthy meals for the family.

"Now...my kids [know] how to read nutrition facts, they are checking every label in our kitchen!" -Maria Hernandez.

Planning meals ahead of time has been a real time saver for participant Rosa Hernandez, "It really helps my day when I don't have to go to the store all the time to get what I need."

The recipes prepared at each lesson demonstrated how healthy meals do not have to be expensive or time consuming. Participants are now very familiar with the MyPlate model and plan to utilize it when thinking about their next food choice.

Ben Benavidez Elementary School parents practice making a written grocery list while planning meals ahead of time

Principal Alan Macedo joined the class weekly to encourage parents to continue on this journey of health and well-being.

These parents are definitely role models for the school and community as they put into practice what they have learned from the UC CalFresh nutrition education program.

UC CalFresh also works with teachers to provide nutrition education to students. This comprehensive approach to nutrition helps ensure that families in the Central Valley are healthy and thriving!