OAKLAND EATS GARDEN FRESH

OAKLAND FRESH School Produce Markets started in 2009 by bringing produce from local farmers and distributors to 12 elementary schools in Oakland to provide families direct access to high-quality fresh foods. Every week, pesticide-free fruits, vegetables, nuts, eggs, honey, and other healthy foods are sold at low cost, and EBT food stamps are accepted.

Thanks to the enthusiastic participation of parents, teachers, school staff, neighbors and students, Oakland Fresh School Produce Markets opened 12 more markets in October, 2011. There are now 22 school produce markets throughout Oakland Unified School District. Visit a market today!

HARVEST OF THE MONTH

Harvest of the Month is a fun and healthy way to positively impact students’ preference for and consumption of healthy fruits and vegetables. The program introduces seasonal produce to students in the classroom on a monthly basis through exciting classroom events, such as cooking demonstrations, school garden activities and fun taste tasting activities. Students are able to not only taste the produce, but learn about it in the classroom, and see it in school environments including gardens, cafeterias and on bulletin boards. The Network for a Healthy California, the statewide sponsor of Harvest of the Month, indicates that the program also presents a strategic opportunity to bring together the classroom, cafeteria, home and community to promote a common goal and healthier habits for students, especially those in low resource schools.

Since 2006, Nutrition Services estimates that its Oakland Unified School District partner schools have received more than 112,000 pounds of produce which have helped support students’ healthy food choices through increased access and consumption of fruits and vegetables. According to the Network, studies show that healthy eating, as well as daily physical activity, have a profound impact on the body and mind by improving the ability to learn and comprehend, boosting energy, improving school attendance and changing attitudes and behavior.

One of the fun ways to learn more about nutrition and healthy eating is the monthly Harvest of the Month newsletter. It’s an excellent way to provide teachers and families with information about nutrition facts on fruits and vegetables that are grown right here in California. Every month a different produce item is highlighted along with a host of nutrition-related resources, recipes and fun family nutrition-related trivia.

Click on the link to view this month's Family Newsletter in English and Spanish.

Healthy Living Champions for Change Councils

Hosted in elementary and middle schools, Healthy Living Champions for Change Councils empower parents to become actively engaged in the nutrition and health of families, schools, and communities. During monthly meetings parents learn about healthy eating and physical activity programs and participate and prepare food demonstrations that focus on healthy food preparation. The Champions for Change parents have become true change agents taking action on both a personal and community level.

Successes include: initiation of school based walking clubs, assistance with school safety patrols, organization of salad bar volunteers, and in 2011, many members took the East Bay Parks and Recreation Trails Challenge, hiking at least five of the featured trails. Currently, there are over twenty groups with more than 250 participants throughout Alameda County.

For a Healthy Living Champions for Change meeting near you click here.