Initiatives

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 (PA) is integrated in all 34 counties by CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California (CFHL, UC) trained PA Leads. CFHL, UC supports and promotes physical activity (PA) and Physical Education (PE) by providing evidence-based curriculum, resources, policy, systems, and environmental change strategies in schools, ECEs, and community-based organizations. Visual and hardscape reinforcements such as stencils and murals create an environment that promotes movement and play.  CFHL, UCCE Educators build capacity, and explore ways for youth and adults to have the greatest opportunity to be physically active where they eat, learn, live, and play.

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.

CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California’s Healthy School Food Initiative (formerly Smarter Lunchrooms Movement) explores the ways in which CFHL, UC can support Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) changes in school and Early Care and Education (ECE) environments that promote consumption and enjoyment of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Programming in this area includes improvements to the school meal environment, farm to school, nutrition standards, and more. 

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.

The Community Engagement Initiative focuses on intentional, authentic work with the community to build on local strengths and elevate local issues and voice in support of health. In line with ASNNA’s Guiding Principles to Embed Equity in SNAP-Ed, CalFresh Healthy Living, UC seeks authentic community engagement, centering local voice through asset-based approaches.