- Author: Dohee Kim
The Network for a Healthy California program (formerly the 5 a Day program) in LA County is a movement to improve the health of low-income children and their families through increased fruit and vegetable consumption and daily physical activity. It is a collaborative initiative between the state of California and community-based organizations. Locally, the LA County Department of Public Health administers and manages the Network in LA County. UC Cooperative Extension carries out the goals of two Network components under a subcontract with the county: the Children's Power Play! Campaign and the Latino Campaign.
Starting in October 2011, Cooperative Extension will hand over the reins on the management of these two campaigns to the LA County Department of Public Health. Under the county leadership, the program will continue to work with local school districts and community organizations to make a real difference in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Since 1999, Cooperative Extension has a played a vital role in teaching children about nutrition and physical activity through its management of the Power Play! Campaign. Every year, through a network of school partners and community organizations, staff members have delivered the important campaign message of eating the recommended amount of fruits and vegetables and being physically active daily to tens of thousands of children.
In 2005, the county added the Latino Campaign with the purpose of empowering low-income adults and their families with the Network message. Cooperative Extension was awarded the role of managing this new component. In its first year, the Latino Campaign received a warm reception by residents and support from the media and many organizations. Every year since its inception, the Latino Campaign has reached more than 300,000 adults, working with local churches, community organizations, farmers markets, festivals, food banks, parks, retail stores and schools.
Cooperative Extension looks forward to continuing its work in community nutrition education through its ongoing programs, such as the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) and the Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program (FSNEP).
For information about the Network campaigns after October 1, please call (213) 351-7875, or click here.