Nutritious food is an essential part of healthy growth and a healthy lifestyle. What we eat greatly influences how we feel and how happy we are. Nearly every community in California contributes in some way to food production, from large farms to backyard gardens. But even though California is the No. 1 agricultural state in the county, many residents feel far removed from their food sources, often not even recognizing them in their own backyard.

With demand for food supplies increasing, it's becoming more important for all of us to recognize exactly where (and what) fresh food is being grown around us.

Lend a helping hand

On May 8, 2014, we need your help populating our California food map. Get outside, be a scientist, and tell us where food is grown in your community. Do you grow your own? Do you live in the heart of the Central Valley and regularly drive past acres and acres of farms? Or, does your neighbor or school have a garden?

Participating takes 5 minutes. All you have to do is go online to beascientist.ucanr.edu, and add a dot on our map marking a spot where you know there's a garden or a farm.

Together, we'll be able to have a much better understanding of our food systems in California. When we recognize where our food comes from, we tend to become healthier and more mindful eaters.

On May 8, 2014, get out there and be a scientist. Tell us where food is grown in your community. Your answers will help build a healthier future for your community, and for the state.

Join the fun

• Participate on May 8 by visiting beascientist.ucanr.edu.
• Are you a teacher? Educator? Parent? Youth group leader? Download our lesson plans and activities from our food activity box. 
• Pledge a tweet or Facebook status. Join our Thunderclap campaign and donate a tweet or a Facebook status to #BeAScientist on May 8.
• Join the online conversation by following #BeAScientist on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 
• Learn more about this project by reading our Fact Sheet.

View the video:

Content created by Steven Worker, Melissa Womack, Karey Windbiel-Rojas, Marisa Neelon, Jennifer Rindahl, and Pam Kan-Rice. Video production: Alberto Hauffen.