K-6 Curricula and Support for Healthy School Environments

CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties (SLO/SB) supports comprehensive, school-based nutrition, gardening, and physical activity education at partnering school sites where 50% or more of the students qualify for the Free/Reduced School Meals Program.

Services offered:

• UC and evidence-based curricula in nutrition, gardening, and physical education.
• Hands-on cooking demonstrations and taste testing.
• Support for school gardens and garden to cafeteria connections.
• Facilitation of youth leadership development in nutrition and health.

Outcomes:

In 2024, 100% (n=16) of teachers agreed or strongly agreed that more students can now identify healthy food choices and 100% of teachers agreed or strongly agreed that more students are willing to try new food choices as a result of participating in the program.

When 4th grade students (n=223) were asked to complete the Eating and Activity Tool for Students (EATS), a 49% increase in physical activity, 43% increase in vegetable consumption, 40% increase in fruit consumption and a 47% decreases in sugar-sweetened beverage consumption was reported from pre survey to post survey.

"One thing I learned in these classes is how important it is to stay healthy. Before I did know it was important to stay healthy. But these classes helped me understand more about staying healthy, and why, and how to." - Student participant

If you are a teacher, school administrator or other youth serving organization that would like to partner with us to improve health, nutrition, cooking skills and increase physical activity, contact us at uccalfreshslosb@ucanr.edu

California's CalFresh Healthy Living, with funding from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – USDA SNAP, produced this material. These institutions are equal opportunity providers and employers. For important nutrition information, visit www.CalFreshHealthyLiving.org.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.  Full FNS Nondiscrimination Statement.

For questions regarding CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE in San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara Counties or content on these webpages please email uccalfreshslosb@ucanr.edu