In communities across Alameda County, something powerful is growing—not just in school gardens, but in classrooms, cafeterias, and playgrounds. At the heart of it all is CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE (CFHL, UCCE), a program that helps children and families lead healthier lives through hands-on nutrition and physical activity education. Tuline Baykal, Supervisor of CFHL, UCCE in Alameda County, shares how the program is transforming environments and empowering youth through equity-centered community engagement. Watch video here on YouTube.

CFHL, UCCE isn’t just about teaching food groups. “Our mission,” Baykal says, “is to inspire and empower individuals and families to lead healthier lives.” To that end, the team delivers interactive, culturally responsive education through schools and youth organizations. Lessons are paired with taste tests, school gardens, and student-led wellness committees—turning abstract health advice into real-world experiences students can see, touch, and taste.

One standout strategy Baykal highlights is the use of playground stencils, including a unique partnership with the Oakland Unified School District. These colorful, painted designs—like hopscotch paths, movement games, and activity prompts—transform underused blacktops into spaces that promote physical activity. Especially in schools without traditional play structures, stencils are a low-cost, high-impact way to get kids moving. “They bring joy and activity back into the school day,” Baykal notes, helping to reinforce the idea that exercise can be fun, inclusive, and accessible to all.

Baykal emphasizes that her team works closely with communities to ensure that programs reflect their specific needs, cultures, and goals. “It’s not just about providing education — it’s about building trust and cultivating change together,” she explains. This collaborative spirit ensures that families are not just participants in the program, but co-creators of a healthier community future.

CFHL, UCCE’s success in Alameda County is rooted in strong partnerships—with schools, nonprofits, families, and UC Cooperative Extension. Through these collaborations, the program builds supportive environments that promote health long after the lessons end. “I’m proud of the work we do,” Baykal says, “and the incredible impact we see in the communities we serve.”

By combining creative approaches like playground stencils with culturally relevant education and community-led design, CalFresh Healthy Living, UCCE is growing more than gardens—it’s cultivating lasting health and joy across Alameda County.