Project EAT is a program of Alameda County Office of Education and Champions for Change
Overview
Project EAT-Educate, Act, Thrive provides nutrition education and physical activity promotion through garden-based nutrition education and cooking connection classes for preschool- 12th grade students during the school day as well as after school. Adult Healthy Living classes for parents and community members are provided free to low-income families in multiple school districts throughout Alameda County. Through Farmers' Market tastings, Food & Fitness Festivals, Family Days in the Garden, and other community events, the Nutrition Coalition promotes an ongoing message of wellness to the families we serve.
Accomplishments
School Gardens
We provide students with opportunities to develop a healthy understanding of nutrition and healthy eating habits in the school garden. Through hands on learning students further their academic achievements and establish a life-long dedication to their communities and the environment.
Nexus for Health: School Gardens
Project EAT has received a grant from Kaiser Permanente to provide professional development, materials, and volunteer expertise to build school gardens at eleven schools in Alameda County. This project, entitled Nexus for Health: School Gardens, will create the infrastructure for school gardens, build capacity for garden maintenance, and provide professional development for teachers, staff, parents, community members, and volunteers. As part of the grant, we are providing workshops for teachers, school staff, parents, and community members interested in volunteering in school gardens. Those participating will receive stipends for attending the workshops in garden-based nutrition education, gardening skills, and garden maintenance. The goal is to create sustainable school gardens that are the nexus of a healthy school community.
Student Leadership
We offer leadership opportunities for students in the following ways.
- Nutrition Education Internships on the Urban Farmers
- Food and Fitness Festival
- Service Learning Projects
- Advocacy
More...
Cooking Connection in the Classroom
Cooking is a great way for students to learn nutrition education while increasing acceptance of and appreciation for healthy foods. These cooking activities will provide basic understanding on nutrition and develop cooking skills that tie into curriculum standards. More...
After School
Project EAT provides nutrition education and physical activity promotion for the after school program through our partnership with Youth Enrichment Program and Boys and Girls Club of San Leandro. more..
Parents and Community
Project EAT reaches out to parents and community members to inspire them to become participants in their own nutrition education experience. Parents and community members participate in nutrition and cooking classes, Family Garden Days, and school site activities. In addition, they receive training to become Community Champions to support ongoing nutrition education and physical activity promotion. More...
If you are interested in volunteering call (510) 670-4544
Farm to School
Project EAT has worked on Farm to School initiatives including farmers' markets, community supported agriculture (CSA) and linking Harvest of the Month to classroom curricula.
Research
The local evaluation of Project EAT features outcome and process evaluation components to measure project effectiveness and to assess the extent of implementation, coverage, fidelity, and reaction. Following a need/resource assessment, a site-based nutrition committee develops a plan reflecting the school environment. Results from student, staff and parent surveys, focus groups, along with other evaluation tools, are used to monitor program effectiveness.
Program implementation has resulted in measured increases in the consumption of fruits and vegetables among students. More..
Funders
Projects and school gardens are made possible by generous donations and grants from businesses, government agencies, foundations and individuals. Please help us work towards our goal of a garden in every Alameda County school. To Donate
Employment
If you are interested in joining the team. Check Edjoin for open positions in the following districts: Hayward USD, Livermore JUSD, San Leandro USD, San Lorenzo USD, and Alameda County Office of Education.
Network for a Healthy California
The mission of the Network for a Healthy California (Network) is to create innovative partnerships that empower low-income Californians to increase fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity and food security with the goal of preventing obesity and other diet-related chronic diseases.
The Network provides funding to schools with at least 50% of the students qualifying for free and reduced lunch. Through the California Department of Public Health Cancer Control Branch, matching funds are provided to programs whose mission reflects the objectives of the Network.
To learn more about the Network for a Healthy California:
www.networkforahealthycalifornia.net
This material was funded by the USDA's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), through the Network for a Healthy California. This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer. SNAP provides nutrition assistance to people with low income. It can help you buy nutritious food for a better diet. For more information on the SNAP, call 1-888-328-3483.