Harvest of the Month Nutrition Education Wellness Champions

What is Harvest of the Month? (HOM) Federally-funded program; Implemented through the Network for a Healthy California grant; Offered to low-resource school districts.

Why HOM? Increase students’ access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Increase students’ knowledge of and familiarity with the rich agricultural bounty of California. Potential to positively change eating and activity behaviors.

Criteria for HOM Fruits and Vegetables California grown; In-season during the month featured; Represents a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables; Familiar to children; Affordable when purchased in season; Easy to use for classroom taste testing; Recommended by school produce buyers for seasonal availability and cost. Aligned with Network for a Healthy California Campaigns and Programs.

Components of HOM Program Taste Test Nutrition Education Resources

Components of HOM Program Taste Test 6 Taste Tests this year: – November – Persimmon – January – Mandarin – February – Broccoli – March – Peas – April – Greens – May – Strawberries

Components of HOM Program – Nutrition Education Differs from Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program; Nutrition Education elements – Educator Newsletter – Family Newsletter – Workbooks – Posters – Calendars – Fruit and Vegetable cards

HOM Wellness Champion Tasks 5 th Grade Assessment Facilitate the 5 th Grade Pre-assessment in October (and then the post-assessment in late May/June). Determine baseline understanding of healthy eating and physical activity and then any growth over the year.

HOM Wellness Champion Tasks Nutrition Activity Data Track the minutes devoted to the HOM Nutrition Education Program. Key task for grant accountability.

HOM Wellness Champion Tasks Taste Test Facilitation 6 times per year you will facilitate the Taste Test. Logistical details…..

HOM Wellness Champion Tasks Nutrition Education Distribute Educator Newsletter to teachers at your site for every taste test. Treasure Hunt…

HOM Wellness Champion Tasks Nutrition Education Family Newsletter -- some translated versions are available at: EdCorner/translated-newsletter.asp EdCorner/translated-newsletter.asp

HOM Wellness Champion Tasks Nutrition Education Workbooks – K-5 – Additional blank pages inserted for nutrition- related prompts and/or classroom connections.

HOM Wellness Champion Tasks Nutrition Education Calendars (coming in January); Stickers (for K-2 students only); Nutrition lessons on OUSD Website: Re-Think Your Drink materials – next meeting in February.

Advantages of Site-Facilitated HOM Conversations about Nutrition – on-going. Integrate with other school-wide or classroom-wide events/activities. Cafeteria connections and Produce Market connections.

HOM Wellness Champion Tasks BEYOND HOM Updates at staff meetings; HOM bulletin board (Updated for each new produce item); HOM-integrated activities at school events – publicize, positively reinforce and spotlight participants who integrate HOM in classroom and beyond; Document success stories (photos, articles, etc.)

Questions?