CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE Nutrition Education Program
Promoting healthy people and communities
CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE works at the intersection of individual and community health - offering the latest UC evidence-based information, talented local educators, and an uncompromising commitment to quality in community service.
CalFresh Healthy Living Program is a federally-funded nutrition education program for individuals and families participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as CalFresh in California. CalFresh Healthy Living, UC State Office is located at the University of California Davis, and the program is delivered through UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) in 34 counties.
CFHL, UCCE Riverside County serves families and youth in schools with more than 50% student participation in the Free/Reduced Meals Program. We also collaborate with local agencies serving limited-resource families such as CalFresh offices.
What Does CalFresh Healthy Living Do?
Educate - Increase nutrition and physical activity knowledge, skills, and practice
-Effective, evidence-based nutrition education for youth, adults, seniors and families
-Offering a comprehensive, preventative approach to health
-Classes offered primarily in Spanish and English, with Chinese and Hmong classes offered in select locations
Partner – Encourage state and local partnerships in support of shared goals
-Strategically aligned partnerships help strengthen the food system for low-resource communities
-We partner with government and non-governmental agencies, local stakeholders, and community leaders to create further impact and generate sustainable results
Build Capacity - Advance local priorities through training and technical assistance
-Curricula training for “extenders” (teachers, after school staff, community members)
-Leadership development for youth
-Fostering a network of local health advocates
Transform – Act as a catalyst for healthy lifestyle change
-Working with communities to seek healthy lifestyle solutions that are sustainable, transformative, inclusive, and grass roots driven
CalFresh Food Assistance
CFHL, UCCE Brings Healthy Living to Ethnic Communities
The CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE Riverside team works with ethnic communities to transform their environment by establishing and maintaining community gardens.
-
Partnering to Build Capacity and Improve Health Outcomes in a Native American Community
Building partnerships and fostering community engagement practices is an essential component of CalFresh Healthy Living (SNAP-Ed in California). These practices support local sustainable activities. CalFresh Healthy Living, University of California (CFHL, UC), in coordination with University of California Cooperative Extension (CFHL, UCCE) in Riverside County, has been working collaboratively with the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indian Tribe since 2018. Together, they are advancing sustainable community health initiatives that can lead to more positive health outcomes.
Partnerships Receive Cooperative Extension National Health Equity Award
Please click here to view the CFHL UCCE Riverside Priester Award Article
Youth Program
Youth CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE partners with teacher extender and train them to deliver lessons and activities to help youth make more healthful eating and fitness choices.
For more information about preschool and elementary curricula contact Esmeralda Nunez at (951)827-0208 Ext. 4, eannunez@ucanr.edu.
For more information regarding curricula for middle and high school contact Marlen Gaspar at (951) 955-2604, mgaspar@ucanr.edu.
Adult Program
CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE classes for adult participants are delivered as a single workshop or a series of 4-5 lessons.
The Plan, Shop, Save, Cook (PSSC) series covers the following topics: MyPlate, meal planning, food labels, food shopping, and cooking a meal/food safety.
The single workshop topics include Rethink Your Drink, Keeping Strong Bones, Breakfast, Whole grains, Physical Activity, and garden-based lessons.
For more information contact Riverside CFHL, UCCE Nutrition Education Program at (951) 955-0170.
CFHL, UCCE Riverside Team:
Our staff of professionals bring a significant depth and breadth of food and nutrition experience and education to the program. We act as a vital bridge between the UC academic system and our local communities, tailoring the latest science, curriculum, and information to the needs, cultures, and languages of our communities. Claudia Carlos (951) 955-2613, cfcarlos@ucanr.eduEsmeralda Nunez (951) 827-0208 Ext.4, eannunez@ucanr.eduVianca Nunez (951) 827-0208 Ext.5, vnunez@ucanr.eduMarlen Gaspar (951) 955-2602, mgaspar@ucanr.eduAlondra Alonso (951) 955-2799, aalon@ucanr.eduMichelle Zavala (951) 955-2604, miczavala@ucanr.eduThis material was funded by USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - SNAP. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. Visit www.CalFreshHealthyLiving.org for healthy tips.