CalFresh Healthy Living

The Lawndale Elementary School District (LESD) Wellness Program is dedicated to inspiring and supporting healthy choices for our students and families. Working together with parents, teachers, staff, administrators, and students, we help create positive attitudes and healthy environments across our schools and community.

Our program is hands-on and visible — from tending school gardens to hosting after-school and evening events, and offering nutrition education for parents and students alike. Since 1994, LESD has championed healthy lifestyle initiatives through strong partnerships with community organizations and public and private support.

Today, our Wellness Program is proud to bring wellness education and resources to our community through the following initiatives:

CalFresh Healthy Living (formerly Champions for Change) delivers engaging nutrition and gardening lessons for students and parents at every LESD school and throughout nearby communities, including Hawthorne and Inglewood. This program motivates families to make healthier food choices, stay active, and enjoy fresh produce. It also provides regular produce distributions to Lawndale families.
Harvest of the Month (HOTM) is a special collaboration between LESD Food Services and our CalFresh Healthy Living team. Each month during the school year, we feature a fresh, California-grown fruit or vegetable. Students taste these seasonal items during recess and lunch, and can find them on the salad bar twice a month. Every year, we refresh our featured produce to keep students excited about healthy eating!

Services

Free Produce Pick Ups

CalFresh Healthy Living hosts produce pick-ups across all LESD school sites. During the 2023-24 school year, the team distributed over 30,000 lbs of produce and reached over10,000 individuals. Interested in volunteering at our events? Reach out to your Community Liaison.

5 female workers at the CalFresh table outside Green Elementary passing out fresh produce.

Family Nutrition Lessons

CalFresh Healthy Living and Food Access Los Angeles are bringing fun, free nutrition and physical activity lessons to LESD schools! Families are invited to join interactive workshops designed to help everyone eat well and stay active. Sessions are open to all families and rotate through different campuses all year long — come learn, move, and grow healthy together!

School Gardens - Help Make Our Gardens Bloom!

Become one of our Garden Farmers and help students keep our school gardens thriving and beautiful. No experience is needed — just bring your enthusiasm! Every school has a garden where students learn about nutrition and enjoy a peaceful space to practice mindfulness. Join us and grow something amazing together!

Youth Participation Action Research (YPAR)

The Youth Participation Action Research (YPAR) is an innovative approach to positive youth and community development in which young people are trained to conduct systematic research to improve their lives, their communities, and the institutions intended to serve them.

Smarter Lunchroom Movement (SLM)

Smarter Lunchroom Movement (SLM) is a national initiative aimed at promoting healthier eating habits in school cafeterias. It focuses on creating an environment that encourages students to make healthier food choices without requiring drastic changes or eliminating their favorite foods.

SLM improves student health and fosters positive long-term eating habits by involving the entire school community, using a cost-effective approach, and supporting academic success.

SLM Areas of Focus

Focus on fruit
Vary the vegetables
Highlight the salad
Move more white milk
Boost reimbursable meals
Lunchroom atmosphere
Student involvement
School community involvement

Funded by USDA SNAP, an equal opportunity provider. Visit www.Calfreshhealthyliving.org for healthy tips.

CATCH Kids Club

The Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) school-based program is designed to help children develop the knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy to make healthy choices about diet and physical activity. The program includes nutrition education materials, such as snack activities, and physical activities to create excitement about health, wellness, and physical activity. CATCH is implemented by after-school RAP staff and is great for encouraging healthy eating and active eating.