Summer Blog Series - Featuring Stories by Our Champion Parents
One Team, Big Impact: Celebrating a Year of Wellness Wins
Written by Sasha O.
As we look back on this school year, it’s amazing to see how much we’ve accomplished as a team. From hosting farmers markets to creating recipes and building gardens with the kids, we’ve had a truly impactful year.
One of my favorite highlights was sharing our Rise and Energize Cooking Series videos during National School Breakfast Week in March. That week, we served those same recipes in the cafeteria, not just at our children's school, but across the entire district.
We also brought the recipes into classrooms, giving students the opportunity to taste new recipes and have fun while learning about healthy breakfasts. It was a hands-on experience that made nutrition exciting and meaningful.
Our CalFresh Healthy Living team works hard and supports one another, always eager to try new ideas that help our schools stay healthy and strong. I’m so proud of what we’ve done together and excited for what’s next.
Hands in the Dirt, Hearts in the Work: Growing Healthy at Mann Elementary
Written by Hadia R.
At Mann Elementary School, students from three different classes worked together on a fun and meaningful project to grow and enjoy healthy food as part of the CalFresh Healthy Living program. This initiative helps students learn about nutrition, gardening, and making healthy lifestyle choices.
The project began with the first class, who planted seeds in the school garden. They learned how to prepare the soil and plant the seeds. Students visited the garden often to see how the plants were growing and were excited to watch the tiny sprouts begin to emerge.
Next, a second class took over to tend the garden. They made sure the plants were watered and removed weeds regularly. Over the course of two months, the students watched the vegetables grow strong and healthy, feeling proud of their hard work and responsibility.
Once the vegetables were ready to harvest, a third class stepped in. They gathered the fresh produce and used it to create delicious, organic salads—served in the school cafeteria the very next day.
The next day, the students were excited to try the salads and knew they were made with vegetables from their own garden. That made the experience feel even more special. Many of them came back for seconds and asked if the school could serve the salads again.
This hands-on project demonstrated the value of growing your own food and the benefits of working together. It gave students a sense of ownership and accomplishment while reinforcing the importance of healthy eating. The collaboration between teachers, students, and CalFresh Healthy Living brought valuable lessons to life in a way that was both fun and impactful.
Summer Vibes Fresh Salad to Beat the Heat
Written by Marissa G.
Summer is here, and it’s the perfect time to eat something to keep you cool and refreshed. The nice thing about summer cooking is that since the ingredients are so wonderful, you don’t have to do much to them in order to make a great dish.
Be ready to enjoy outdoor activities that summer brings you. Chill out with this recipe and enjoy the sunshine with your loved ones. Fresh, delicious, healthy, simple ingredients and so easy to make. Happy Summer!
Cucumber and Jicama Salad
What you'll need
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Large bowl
Measuring cups
Spoon
Ingredients
2 cups cucumber
2 cups shredded Jicama
1/2 cup cilantro fresh finely chopped
1/3 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup purple onion finely chopped
Salt to taste
Bake chips (optional)
Directions
Place the chopped cucumber, purple onion, cilantro, shredded jicama, and lime juice in a large mixing bowl
Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients
Season to taste with salt
Enjoy! Serve with chips, optional
