Cal Fresh Healthy Living
The Cal Fresh Healthy Living Project aimed to reduce the prevalence of obesity and chronic disease among low-income Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) eligible populations. From 2016 to 2020, IPS implemented nutrition education, physical activity promotion, and advanced advocacy work to create healthier environments for low-income individuals and families where they live, learn, work, play, pray, and shop.
Using the IPS ACT Model and Sociological Model as a guided framework, IPS worked alongside community members and other sector partners to transform neighborhood conditions by improving the built environment and expanding access to resources that enable residents to be healthy and thrive.
Project goals can be categorized into three main areas:
- Raising Awareness Through Evidence-Based Strategies
Implementing best nutrition practices and conducting nutrition classes using Leah’s Pantry Food Smart workshops to improve behavior change with diverse audiences. This includes promoting physical activity and connecting community members to various local physical activity programs. - Building and Expanding Community Partnerships
Establishing edible school gardens throughout Pomona Unified School District. School gardens are used as a teaching tool for middle school age students to explore academic projects and gain a better understanding of environmental sustainability. IPS has also partnered with local urban farmers, food banks/pantries, and farmer markets to create an integrative food distribution system that benefits the most vulnerable in the community through food donations. - Advancing Change through Advocacy
In an effort to promote more urban green space for food production, IPS has provided support to local urban farmers, an agricultural school, and community gardens in establishing a network where participants can work together toward community transformation.
