Garden Implementation
CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California partners with schools and communities to provide garden-based education. This is an opportunity to experience fresh vegetables first hand – from seeding gardens to picking the produce -- and is accompanied by classroom lessons and discussion. In select counties, the CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California program collaborates with UCCE Master Gardeners and 4-H to extend garden-based learning efforts and create youth leadership and engagement opportunities.
Physical Activity
Physical Activity (PA) is integrated in all 31 counties by CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California trained PA Leads. In addition, 27 counties have reported PA related PSE changes adopted in FFY 2017. Visual and hardscape reinforcements such as stencils and murals create an environment that promotes movement and play. CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California partners with Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) Global Foundation, Fuel Up to Play 60 and others to provide resources in schools, build capacity, and explore ways youth can have the greatest opportunity to be physically active in educational settings.
School Wellness Policy
The Local School Wellness Policy requirement, mandated by the United States Department of Agriculture through the Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004, and further strengthened by the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, requires the development and implementation of a school wellness policy to establish a school environment that promotes students’ health, well-being, and ability to learn by supporting healthy eating and physical activity.
Smarter Lunchrooms Movement
The Smarter Lunchrooms Movement of California (SLM of CA) began in 2013 in partnership with the Cornell Center for Behavioral Economics in Child Nutrition Programs. SLM of CA has a goal of changing the way food-choices are presented, nudging children toward choosing more nutritious foods. This year’s meetings and strategic planning have included California Department of Public Health and the Center for Ecoliteracy along with the founding partners for SLM of CA, CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California, California Department of Education and the Dairy Council of California.
Youth Engagement
CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California strives to expand its focus from serving youth to actively engaging youth as leaders in program development and implementation. The CalFresh Healthy Living, UC State Office and the UC Davis Center for Regional Change provide training, technical assistance, and program development to support youth engagement across California.