In the News

Fresno Students Spring into Health!

On May 24th, students at Calwa Elementary in Fresno had the opportunity to “Spring into Health” by participating in a nutrition field day on their campus. Over 160 fourth and fifth grade students rotated through eight nutrition and physical activity stations. Students learned about edible plant parts, MyPlate, healthy beverages, bike safety and healthy snacks for the summertime. Each student planted their very own bean plant to take home. At UCCE, we are increasing science literacy in agriculture and nutrition while changing habits that impact health. Special thanks to all of the partners who made this event possible, including the Children’s Power Play! Campaign, Master Gardeners, Central Valley Health Network, Kaiser Permanente and Off the Front.

Student evaluations and letters were very positive and participants reported:

“Next time I am at the grocery store, I plan to ask about the kinds of food on the MyPlate.”—Izalina
“I would like to thank you for a wonderful day.  I would like it if you guys come to Calwa Elementary School again. The thing I most like was planting my bean plant.”—Maria C.

“I learned all kinds of different and incredible things.” --Anahir

*1 Overweight and Obesity Among Children by California City – 2010, http://publichealthadvocacy.org/research_overweight2010.html

*2 Downey, DB, Boughton, HR.  (2007)  Childhood body mass index gain during the summer versus during the school year.   New Directions for Youth Development.  NO. 114.