UCCE Contra Costa

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The University of California Cooperative Extension Contra Costa County delivers high quality education and research programs that contribute to:
• Safe, healthy and accessible food
• Clean water and a healthy environment
• Improved nutrition habits and well-nourished residents
• Healthy youth who contribute to healthy communities
• An improved local economy

Our programs benefit ALL cities and ALL citizens throughout the County. We pride ourselves on delivering the most cost-effective programs in the most efficient manner by drawing upon experts from throughout the UC system, utilizing over 600 trained volunteers, and working cooperatively with over 150 diverse public and private agencies/organizations. And we do this at a minimal cost to the public.

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Contra Costa Stories

From 2007 to 2009, during the nation’s economic downturn, food insecurity in California’s low-income adult population increased from 35 percent to 40 percent. These adults were not able to procure sufficient food to maintain a healthy diet for themselves and other household members. Food insecurity effects academic achievement, increases the risk of obesity and chronic disease and impairs mental health. A 2012 UCLA Health Policy Brief reported that 38 million low-income adults in California were food insecure and that rates were highest in low-income Spanish-speaking households and those with children. Although participation in federal food assistance programs has increased since 2007, many recipients experience food resource management challenges, lacking skills to maximize their food dollars to buy, prepare and store healthy foods. Providing low-income families with food education along with resource management skills can help improve the overall health and food security of the household.

Read about: UCCE helps low-income Californians increase food security | View Other Stories