CSUN CalFresh Healthy Living Program

Research shows that low-income Latinx adults and children have a higher risk for childhood obesity and overweight conditions than other ethnic groups. Unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity, and food insecurity are associated with higher rates of diet related chronic diseases, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and some types of cancer. Because of the high prevalence of these conditions, there is a great need for primary prevention programs that can increase basic nutrition and physical activity knowledge. The Los Angeles County (LAC) Department of Public Health (DPH) has initiated the CalFresh Healthy Living Program which aims to increase food security and reduce the prevalence of diet related chronic diseases among low-income individuals and families in LAC. This program will improve the nutritional health of SNAP-Ed eligible participants by providing access to nutrition education, physical activity education, and leadership toward healthy community initiatives. In addition, a key focus is to accomplish behavioral outcomes that will improve the consumption of healthy foods, reduce the consumption of sugary beverages, increase physical activity, and optimize the food system.