The UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program in the Butte Cluster collaborated with the Chico State University Crop Science and Horticulture Club to reinvigorate the Oakdale Heights Elementary School's Learning Garden. The Crop Science and Horticulture Club is a student-led organization. The club brings people together with a common interest in agriculture, crop science, and horticulture and aims to show its members exactly what service the local agriculture community provides.

To learn more about the Chico State's Crop Science & Horticulture Club, CLICK HERE. 

The purpose of reinvigorating the Oakdale Heights Elementary School's Learning Garden was to create a space where the students can interact with fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Prior to partnering with the Crop Science & Horticulture Club, UC CalFresh had a vision for incorporating a MyPlate garden bed into the school's Learning Garden so that they can have an outdoor space to educate students about MyPlate and the importance of healthy eating and active living. This partnership really helped bring that vision to fruition.  

MyPlate is a helpful reminder to find your healthy eating style and build it throughout your lifetime. Everything you eat and drink matters. The right mix can help you be healthier now and in the future. When UC CalFresh Nutrition Educators teach students about MyPlate, they encourage the following:

• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
• Make half your grains whole grains.
• Make healthy snack choices.
• Avoid oversized portions.
• Choose from a variety of food groups. The best meals have a balance of items from all five food groups.
• Drink milk and water instead of soda, sports drinks, and other sugary drinks.
• Students should be physically active for at least 60 minutes each day.

To learn more about MyPlate, CLICK HERE.                                             

UC CalFresh Nutrition Education Program in the Butte Cluster is extremely thankful for their partnership with Chico State's Crop Science and Horticulture Club and looking forward to future collaboration opportunities.