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As we close out the school year, CalFresh Healthy Living UCCE San Mateo/San Francisco reflects on a season of meaningful engagement, hands-on learning, and strengthened partnerships. Our work across classrooms, gardens, and community spaces has continued to support youth and families in building lifelong healthy habits.
This spring, our team has focused on expanding nutrition education through culturally relevant, skills-based lessons. The Food Smarts for Kids curriculum from Leah’s Pantry has been a key tool, complemented by tailored approaches that meet each school’s unique needs. In tandem, our garden-based education has continued to thrive—Susan B Anthony Elementary in Daly City (pictured here) has become a hub for interactive learning and student leadership. Our use of the Teams with Intergenerational Support (TWIGS) curriculum has evolved to incorporate more co-teaching opportunities, fostering deeper youth participation.
In early learning environments, we’ve sustained our commitment to age-appropriate healthy living education. Children at ECE center, and often their caregivers, have explored healthy eating through the Glow, Go, and Grow framework, while Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) activities have encouraged structured movement. In community-based settings, we’ve also brought the Plan, Shop, Save, and Cook curriculum to adult learners, supporting practical food budgeting and meal planning strategies.
Beyond the classroom, our team continues to champion policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) improvements. This quarter, we’ve supported school cafeterias with local produce taste tests and visual promotion strategies informed by the Smarter Lunchrooms Movement. We’ve also begun offering support around School Wellness Policies, helping institutions align practices with long-term health goals.
Looking ahead to summer, we’re excited to shift toward out-of-school programming through partnerships with camps, summer schools, family centers, and local health fairs. These settings allow us to reach a broader audience while maintaining our focus on engaging, practical, and inclusive wellness education.
Thank you to our dedicated partners, educators, families, and community members for making this school year so rewarding. We look forward to a vibrant summer season of continued collaboration and impact.
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