Physical Activity (PA) is a key component of CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California (CFHL, UC) programming because it directly supports the program’s goal of promoting healthy lifestyles and improving health outcomes for participants.
The CFHL, UC PA Initiative trains and supports partners to integrate evidence-based PA education programs such as CATCH PE and BEPA 2.0 often combined with policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) change strategies (e.g., PA during recess, classroom PA breaks, physical education (PE) access and quality, playground stencils, PA professional development) with nutrition interventions to achieve comprehensive programming across the lifespan.
In California, only 6% of adolescents (12-17 years) and 40% of children (5-11 years) from households eligible for SNAP-Ed engage in the recommended amount of PA (e.g., at least one hour of PA daily) (California Health Interview Survey, 2016). Nearly half (42%) of California adults (18+ years) from households eligible for SNAP-Ed do not meet the aerobic activity guideline (e.g., moderate PA for 2.5 hours in past week) (California Health Interview Survey, 2023). While data from the 2020 National Health Interview Survey finds only 24% of adults meet the 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans in both aerobic and muscle strengthening activities. Studies show that regular PA promotes mental and physical health, increasing fitness and facilitating learning, and can prevent heart disease, obesity, and type-two diabetes (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2018).
The Physical Activity Initiative strives to improve health outcomes by collaborating with school, early care, and community partners to expand access to daily quality PA opportunities for youth and adults where they eat, learn, live, and play.
CalFresh Healthy Living, UC Resources
This list contains commonly used physical activity resources supported by the CalFresh Healthy Living, UC program.
- Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH)
CATCH Physical Education instruction is standards-aligned and designed to promote enjoyment and participation in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) while emphasizing non-elimination games for K-8 children of all skill levels and physical abilities.
For ordering CATCH curriculum, visit CATCH.org. For hard copy CATCH curriculum materials and equipment, order from School Specialty. More information about the CFHL approval process for ordering CATCH materials can be found on the Youth Nutrition Education Curricula page, under each CATCH listing.
Resources
Program & CurriculaCATCH Lesson Planning
Pacing Guides and Best Practices
- Pacing Guide Webinar: A 10 minute introduction to the Pacing Guide including how to use it, a detailed description of its components, and tips on implementation.
- PE 3-5th Grade: Pacing Guide | Best Practices for CFHL, UC Educators
- PE K-2nd Grade: Pacing Guide | Best Practices for CFHL, UC Educators
- ECE: Pacing Guide | Best Practices for CFHL, UC Educator
- BE Physically Active 2Day! (BEPA 2.0)
- BEPA 2.0 is a school-based physical activity program aligned to health and physical education standards for grades K-5. The program can be used inside and outside of the classroom, and works great before, during, or after school. For more information, please visit Oregon State University's website for BEPA 2.0.
- CalFresh Healthy Living, UC Stencil Projects
Playground stencil projects transform outdoor spaces into vibrant learning zones that spark enthusiasm for physical activity through engaging, low-cost designs. When paired with evidence-based curricula, it further enhances motor skill development and supports educators in integrating movement and academic concepts throughout the school day.
- Goals of Playground Stencils
- How to Complete a Playground Stencil Project (Webinar Recording)
- Stencil Art Activities: A Grown Ups Guide
- How-To-Stencil Guide
Required Forms for Stencil and Mural Projects
- CalFresh Healthy Living, UC Mural and/or Stencil Project Request Form and Estimated Cost Worksheet
- Contractor Scope of Work (SOW) Questionnaire (Required only if working with a contractor)
How to Use CATCH Activities with Playground Stencils
Visit the Policy, Systems and Environment Needs and Environmental Assessments page for the Pre/Post Playground Stencil Assessment and Stencil Tip Sheet.- Walking for Wellness Resources
- Walking for Wellness is a simple, accessible initiative that promotes physical activity by walking with the intention to improve overall health and well-being. CFHL, UC encourages participants to incorporate regular walking into their daily lives, fostering physical fitness, mental clarity, and social connection.
General Resources
Please see below for general tips & resources for supporting the CalFresh Healthy Living, UC Physical Activity Initiative.
- National Resources
- • 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans
• Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report: Implementation Strategies for Older Adults
• CDC Physical Activity
• CDC Student Physical Education and Physical Activity
• CDC Comprehensive School Physical Activity Program (CSPAP)
• National Center on Health, Physical Activity and Disability (NCHPAD)
• Surgeon Generals Call to Action: Step it Up!
• American Heart Association (AHA) Fitness
• Active Schools - SNAP-Ed Resources
- • CA SNAP-ED Physical Activity Resource Guide 2nd Ed
• Early Care and Education PA Activity Tool Kit
• CFHL, CDPH Family Fitness, Activate!
• PSE Resource Guide
• SNAP-Ed Connection Physical Activity
• Joint/Shared Use
• Everyday PA Guide from the Nation Institute on Aging
• PA Break and Active Recess Resource List - Other Resources
- • SHAPE America
• Safe Routes to School National Partnership
• Opportunities for Inclusion of Individuals with Disabilities
CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE Highlights
CalFresh Healthy Living UC’s playground stencil projects are just one example of how we strive to build comprehensive programming at each school that we work with. In addition to playground stencils, CFHL, UC offers nutrition education, physical activity education, garden-enhanced nutrition education, and many other approaches to support a healthy lifestyle.
- By the end of FFY 2024, CFHL, UCCE Shasta Cluster provided CATCH training to 60 paraprofessionals in Redding Elementary School District culminating in over 440 hours of PA and nutrition education delivered to their afterschool classes.
- In FFY 2024, CFHL, UCCE Tehama County collaborated with Tehama State Preschool to improve access and appeal of PA among students to include a painted playground stencil project. As a result, the students have a brand-new colorful playground to encourage active play and learning at their preschool sites.
- In San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties, CFHL, UCCE staff trained 20 Santa Maria Recreations and Parks (SMRP) staff with the knowledge and skills to implement CATCH PE which in turn increased the quality of and opportunities for age-appropriate structured PA delivered to youth. The Program Supervisor shared, “...it was rewarding to see our Rec Leaders utilizing many of the activities they learned from you…”
Please email Paul Tabarez to share stories, photos, or other items you would like to see featured in CalFresh Healthy Living, UC's Physical Activity highlights.
Physical Activity Curricula
View CalFresh Healthy Living, UC-approved physical activity curricula.
Evaluation Resources
View CalFresh Healthy Living, UC-recommended Physical Activity evaluation tools.
Trainings
- Town Hall Feature Presentations
- • Physical Activity Initiative and County Highlights – Imperial, San Joaquin, Fresno and Riverside Counties (March 2024)
- BE Physically Active 2Day! (BEPA 2.0)
- For CFHL, UCCE Staff interested in Oregon State University - BEPA 2.0 Online Training, please email Paul Tabarez.
When asked, “What, if anything, is one thing that you do differently because of these classes?” one student responded,
One thing I do differently because of these classes is that I exercise more and eat heathier."
– 6th Grade Student, Kings County