- 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.
- Author: Christine Davidson
The Riverside and San Bernardino county Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program team hosted a celebration lunch for the 50th anniversary of EFNEP. The team was joined by San Bernardino County Master Food Preserver, Dee Denton and Master Gardener, Maggie O'Neill; in addition three EFNEP retirees attend. Connie Lexion, formally Garret, was an NFCS Advisor from 1970 to 2006; she still keeps in touch with many former team members and gave an update on those she met with at a luncheon in April. Connie Costello started with UC in 1981 and was apart of EFNEP and UC CalFresh from 2012 to 2017. Debbie Lopez was a part of EFNEP for 15 years working with the youth program and 4H from 1971 to 1986. The group shared stories and talked about how the program has changed over the years.
EFNEP started in 1969 with the goal of addressing concerns on nutrition and physical activity behaviors of low-income families, focusing on families with young children. It as since grown to reach 200,000 adults and 450,000 youth in every state, US territory and the district of Columbia.
To hear more stories about EFNEP https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=un8EZggIYrE
