After several years of local implementation, Harvest of the Month has been made available statewide with a tool kit and this website. The overall goal is to provide knowledge- and skill-based strategies that are:

• standardized
• cost-effective
• replicable
• convenient

These strategies are designed to motivate and empower students to increase consumption and enjoyment of a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables and to engage in physical activity every day. Download the How to Grow Healthy Students (PDF, 7MB) guide to learn how to use the materials and resources and implement a successful Harvest of the Month program.

Studies show that healthy eating and daily physical activity have a profound impact on the body and mind by improving the ability to learn and comprehend, boosting energy, improving school attendance and changing attitudes, behavior and more. Harvest of the Month provides materials and resources to support healthy food choices through increased access and consumption of fruits and vegetables as well as encourage daily physical activity. It uniquely supports core curricular areas through exploration and study. Harvest of the Month presents a strategic opportunity to bring together the classroom, cafeteria, home and community to promote a common goal and healthier habits for students, especially those in low resource schools.

The objectives of Harvest of the Month are for students to increase their:

• access to fruits and vegetables through school meal programs, classrooms, school gardens, farmers’ markets, grocery stores, community gardens, etc.
• preference for selected produce items through classroom activities, such as taste testing, cooking in class and school garden activities, and through menu offerings in the school meals program.
• participation in daily physical activity and understanding of why it is important.
• knowledge of and familiarity with California grown fruits and vegetables and the rich agricultural bounty of the State.

Harvest of the Month is comprised of four key monthly elements: Educator Newsletters, Family Newsletters, Menu Slicks and Press Release Templates. In addition, Harvest of the Month posters may be ordered. For more information on each element, please refer to the Monthly Elements section.

For more general information about Harvest of the Month, download our Fact Sheet (PDF) or Overview (PDF).

©2007 California Department of Public Health | Public Health Institute | Acknowledgements |
Visit or return to the Network for a Healthy California website at: www.networkforahealthycalifornia.net or Champions for Change www.cachampionsforchange.net.