EFNEP and Master Food Preserver Virtual Collaboration

Oct 28, 2020

EFNEP and Master Food Preserver Virtual Collaboration

Oct 28, 2020

Parents and caregivers across San Bernardino County participated in the new EFNEP 100% at Home Program which was adapted from the 9 lesson in person series Eating Smart Being Active. Lessons were sent to participants via mail or email to review at home. A series of 4 Zoom sessions were scheduled with groups from San Bernardino Unified School District,  Fontana Adult School, Hesperia Unified School District, and Rialto Parent Center. During each Zoom session, educators reinforced key messages from lessons and were available to answer questions. The Zoom sessions were also an opportunity for parents to interact and share successes and challenges they are facing. Topics included physical activity, fruits and vegetables, reading the food label, food safety, saving money, and healthy recipes. At the end of the series graduates received a certificate and cookbook. 

To reinforce concepts such as stretching the food dollar and food safety, participants were invited to 2 sessions on pickling presented by the Master Food Preserver Program. The first session was an introduction to pickling vegetables along with important food safety practices. To save money, participants were shown a variety of containers they can reuse from common items purchased at grocery stores. The second session was a live demonstration on pickling. Participants were given a list of ingredients needed to follow along in their home.  The collaboration between programs has allowed families to connect and continue learning about living a healthy lifestyle.