Playworks, a national nonprofit organization that promotes structured, inclusive recess in low-income elementary schools, has been shown to improve student engagement, physical activity, and school climate. However, little is known about whether programs like Playworks—where trained adults lead games that…
Lightweight garden infrastructure projects can give you a headstart Too early to plant? Consider taking on these lightweight garden infrastructure projects! Use cold frames, raised beds, and other season extenders to get a head-start on planting outdoors.As we look at sunny skies and longer days in May,…
Preserve it! Time for a Review Before planning this year’s garden or trips to the farmers market, let’s look at your pantry and freezer with a keen eye. Take stock of what you preserved last season and what you have consumed up to this point. If, by this time of the year, you have an abundance of…
By Dania Orta-Aleman, Caitlin D French, Monica D Zuercher, Christina E Hecht, Hannah R Thompson, Wendi Gosliner
Research Brief • April 2026 • Download PDF (180KB)Background California’s School Meals for All (SMFA) program launched in the 2022–23 school year, following federal pandemic relief efforts that provided universal school meals across the US from 2020–22.1 Traditionally, school meal eligibility has been…
The Food Security Supplement to the United States Census Current Population Survey, or Household Food Security Survey Module, is one of the most valuable federal datasets for understanding food insecurity and evaluating nutrition policy in the US. Despite its value, the US Department of Agriculture …
The Basics of Growing Edible Crops in Tahoe by Kristianne H., UC Master Gardener of the Lake Tahoe BasinOvercome ChallengesA Short Window: The average frost-free growing season is only about 93 days.The frost-free window typically runs from June 18 to September 19. This is unpredictable! Freezing…
Vegetable Cycle Pollination Pollinator Isolation Distance Seed Longevity Saving Ease Direct Trans Notes Bean A Self 100’ 2-3 yrs easy D Lose vigor rapidly. Soybean A Self 100’ 2-3 yrs easy D Beet/Chard B Cross Wind ½ mi 3-5 yrs * D Beets cross with chards. Broccoli/Kale/Cauliflower B…
Monica Gross, Los Angeles Co., Online Delivery Program VolunteerDehydration is one of the earliest preservation methods developed by humankind. There is evidence from Middle Eastern and Asian cultures that dehydration was used as a method of preservation as far back as 12,000 BCE. The hot sun was harnessed…
Chocolate paired with cherries is a match made in heaven. With the California cherry season approaching, consider making this delicious and decadent jam. Use it as an ice-cream topping, stir it into yogurt, use it to frost brownies, or top a cheesecake! The possibilities are endless. …
Childcare centers and homes aim to create a healthy environment, but holistically assessing practices and identifying what to improve is often challenging. A recent study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior highlights the reliability and validity of the Site-Level…
