Several hundred third and fourth grade students, parents and teachers from Yokomi Elementary School gathered at the Garden of the Sun, Thursday March 25 from 9:30 - 12:30 to learn about growing and consuming fresh fruits and vegetables, the value of all five food groups, basic nutrients and the importance of physical activity. Activities for students included tomato transplanting, Botany on your Plate, Food Group Nutrients, cactus tour, physical activities such as salad shot put, yoga demonstrations and berry salsa making. Teachers participated in hands-on gardening and a walking tour of the Garden of the Sun.

Partners for this exciting event included Network for a Healthy California-Children’s Power Play! Campaign, UCCE Master Gardeners, Youth Nutrition Education Program (YNEP), Dairy Council of California, AmeriCorps Volunteers, Central Valley Health Network and Bella Frutta. Dairy Council of California Territory Manager Alyssa McClelland represented the Dairy Council of California and enjoyed offering nutrition lessons about all five food groups to the students. It was a fabulous day at the Garden of the Sun and the students learned a great deal.

Maureen Bligh, MA, RD

Project Manager