- Author: Christine Davidson
The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program has been providing families in San Bernardino county with virtual workshops to teach healthy living practices. Parents and caregivers from the San Bernardino Unified School district were recruited via FaceBook Live. An EFNEP educator demonstrated making Chewy Granola Bars; a quick and easy child friendly snack, while promoting the program. Other parents from Fontana Adult School, Rialto Parent Center, and Hesperia Unified School District were invited via social media and fliers sent via email or Peachjar. Eight lessons were mailed or emailed to participants to review at home which were adapted from the Eating Smart Being Active curriculum. Lessons were followed up with 4 Zoom sessions. During each Zoom session, educators reinforced key messages from lessons and answered questions. The virtual sessions gave parents an opportunity to interact, share successes and challenges. Topics included fruits and vegetables, reading the food label, food safety, saving money, and healthy recipes. Physical activity was incorporated during each session to demonstrate the importance and health benefits. At the end of the series graduates received a certificate, cookbook and were invited to continue learning through the UCCE Master Gardener Program virtual workshops.
The first Master Gardener Zoom session, “Planting a Fall Garden”, focused on planting, growing and maintaining a garden in the fall season. The second session focused on composting and sustainable landscapes. By using food scraps, leaves and grass clippings, participants learned to create their own compost which in turn saves money and is better for the environment. Both sessions reinforced concepts learned in the EFNEP series including stretching the food dollar by growing your own food and using left over food or items in the home instead of buying at the store. The importance of eating a variety of fruits and vegetables was emphasized by sharing the variety of food you can grow in the fall. To help parents with picky eaters or those that avoid eating fruits and vegetables, the volunteer shared ways to involve children in planting, maintaining and harvesting. When children are involved in the process, they are more likely to eat or at least try something new. The Master Gardener volunteer was available to answer questions specific to participants. Each topic was presented in English and Spanish to reach the diverse residence of San Bernardino county.
- Author: Christine Davidson
Parents and caregivers across San Bernardino County participated in the new EFNEP 100% at Home Program which was adapted from the 9 lesson in person series Eating Smart Being Active. Lessons were sent to participants via mail or email to review at home. A series of 4 Zoom sessions were scheduled with groups from San Bernardino Unified School District, Fontana Adult School, Hesperia Unified School District, and Rialto Parent Center. During each Zoom session, educators reinforced key messages from lessons and were available to answer questions. The Zoom sessions were also an opportunity for parents to interact and share successes and challenges they are facing. Topics included physical activity, fruits and vegetables, reading the food label, food safety, saving money, and healthy recipes. At the end of the series graduates received a certificate and cookbook.
To reinforce concepts such as stretching the food dollar and food safety, participants were invited to 2 sessions on pickling presented by the Master Food Preserver Program. The first session was an introduction to pickling vegetables along with important food safety practices. To save money, participants were shown a variety of containers they can reuse from common items purchased at grocery stores. The second session was a live demonstration on pickling. Participants were given a list of ingredients needed to follow along in their home. The collaboration between programs has allowed families to connect and continue learning about living a healthy lifestyle.
- Author: Christine Davidson
This week we are celebrating National Volunteer Week by highlighting the volunteers and partners who are a vital part to the success of UCCE programs. On February 24, 2020 UCCE San Bernardino hosted an appreciation dinner to recognize the invaluable volunteers and partners.
The celebration started with a welcome by County Directors Janet Hartin and Chris McDonald followed by dinner and finally the recognition. Honorees received a certificate of appreciation from UCCE and​ Board of Supervisor Chairman Curt Hagman. Seven San Bernardino County departments were recognized for their valuable partnerships needed to implement programs. The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program recognized teachers, school administrators, and parent liaisons who are key in reaching families to provide them with education to live healthier lives. The Master Gardener and Master Food Preserver Programs recognized their indispensable volunteers who are the heartbeat of the program and provide outreach to the community. 4-H recognized leaders who are empowering today's youth to be leaders of tomorrow. To top off the dinner, the Master Gardener Coordinator, Maggie O'Neill, made a delicious cake decorated to represent all programs.
- Author: Christine Davidson
Parents at Davidson and Anton Elementary in the San Bernardino Unified School District, were invited to participate in a series of workshops provided by the University of California Cooperative Extension Master Food Preserver (MFP) and Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Programs (EFNEP). The first EFNEP series included 9 lessons from the Eating Smart Being Active curriculum. The focus was eating well and living a healthier life style. Each week parents learned about a new topic such as My Healthy Plate, whole grains, meal planning, saving money, and food safety. Parents also participated in 15 minutes of physical activity through walking indoors videos. During the workshops, parents tasted new recipes as well as set goals and received lesson enhancements to encourage behavior change. At the end of the series, parents who attended at least 7 lessons received a certificate of graduation.
The EFNEP workshops were followed by the MFP jam making class. Parents made mixed berry freezer jam. Food safety measures learned during the EFNEP workshops, were reinforced by emphasizing the importance of hand washing, using a clean surface and storing at the proper temperature. Parents learned they can store their jam in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for 12 months. Tips on stretching your food dollar were also reinforced by sharing various types of fruit that can be used for jam. This is a great way to save money by buying seasonal or frozen fruit, using fruit from a home garden, reusing containers found at home, sharing with friends and giving jam as gifts. Everyone had smiles on their faces while making and tasting their jam!
- Author: Christine Davidson
San Bernardino County Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program promoted Healthy Snack Day throughout the county on September 12th. Parents at Bloomington Head Start sampled Overnight Oats from the new 2020 Healthy and Homemade Nutrition and Fitness Calendar and took home the calendar which provides new recipes each month. EFNEP educators hosted an office taste test of the Overnight Oats. Educators prepared all three versions including Pumpkin, Peanut Butter topped with bananas, and Yogurt topped with frozen berries. The Peanut Butter and Yogurt were the favorites! First grade students at Lincoln Elementary learned how to keep their bodies healthy and enjoyed an afternoon snack of trail mix. Healthy snacks are a great way to keep your mind and body fueled during a busy day.
