What is the Youth Wellness Initiative?
The Youth Wellness Initiative presentation is designed for students to learn about the important role locally grown fruits and vegetables play in their health and well-being.
Students will explore the colors of the food rainbow and learn about the nutritional benefits of different fruits and vegetables. Following hands-on farm fresh food preparation, students will participate in taste-testing and learn how to practice mindful eating. Each student will receive a Farm Fresh Passport that includes engaging activities and games to encourage healthy eating at home, resources on where to find locally grown specialty crops, and kid-friendly recipes. Our teachers' toolkit also includes information to help further integrate the nutrition program into their classroom instruction.
Natalie Granucci, a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a passion for cultivating healthy habits in children, works as a Nutrition and Wellness Coordinator at SEEAG (Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture). With a vibrant spirit and a dedication to promoting well-rounded nutrition, she plays a vital role in inspiring the next generation to embrace a wholesome approach to food and holistic wellness.
Natalie brings a wealth of nutrition and mental wellness knowledge and expertise to her role at SEEAG. She is committed to fostering a deeper understanding of the connection between food, agriculture, health, and wellness among young minds. Her interactive and engaging sessions captivate the imagination of children, instilling in them a sense of curiosity about the origins of their food and the importance of making nutritious choices. Her creativity shines through as she refines programming that make learning about healthy eating, movement, and mindfulness an exciting adventure for children.
Natalie goes beyond the traditional understanding of nutrition. She emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical health, mental well-being, and the importance of fostering positive relationships with food. In Nutrition and Wellness classes offered through SEEAG, she incorporates elements of mindfulness and the joys of movement in addition to hands-on cooking demonstrations with fresh produce, offering a comprehensive approach to overall wellness. Natalie`s dedication to the well-being of children extends beyond the classroom. As a mom, she believes in empowering families to make informed decisions about their nutrition, contributing to a healthier and happier community. Her commitment to continuous learning ensures that she stays abreast of the latest developments in the field of nutrition, allowing her to provide evidence-based guidance to those she serves.
Do you have a burning question about nutrition, movement, or promoting mental wellness for your child within your family unit? What about how to best support your child with specific health and wellness goals regardless of where they may be at in their journey? If so, feel free to reach out to her at natalie@seeag.org. Together, we can nurture the health and wellness of the next generation, one step and child at a time.
Wellness is a multifaceted, broad concept. Whether it be nutrition, physical activity, or mental health, our minds and bodies are interconnected.
At SEEAG, we know and understand that knowledge is power. SEEAG classes primarily target school age children, teaching them about agriculture, the farm sources of their food, and basic nutrition. Our desired community nutrition outcomes are purchasing more local produce, supporting farmers, eating a more plant-forward diet, sustainability, and reducing food waste. With that being said, parents are typically the primary decision makers in family households.
Our goal is to use this website space to expand upon wellness with readily accessible and realistic recipes, nutrition information, physical activity tips, and mental health resources. We want to increasingly target, invite, encourage, and inspire parents as they proactively seek to positively influence their childrens' wellness. We also believe in educating, empowering, and motivating parents to model and reinforce healthy lifestyle choices of both the mind and body using community resources, tools, best practices, and the latest scientific evidence-based recommendations for their children. In the "Kids Corner", children will find relevant wellness activities, games, and more!
Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate students and the greater community about the farm origins of food and agriculture’s contribution to our nutritional well-being through hands-on classroom and outdoor experiential S.T.E.M. based learning.
The Youth Wellness Initiative is one of our youth education programs that help accomplish this goal. Along with the goals of the initiative mentioned above, SEEAG strives to give students experiences that inspire them to appreciate the hands and lands that feed us, explore career paths in agriculture, and champion sustainable practices. These programs serve K-12 students throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties and have remained 100% cost-free since our inception in 2008. If you'd like to learn more about our youth programs, annual Farm Day events for the community, and ways you can support, please visit our website at www.seeag.org.
Meet Natalie Granucci, RDN
Now available in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties!
Learn more about SEEAG’s Youth Wellness Initiative