A Taste of Wellness

December 2025 – Volume 3 – Issue 11

In This Issue

Nourishing News

Just like that, December has arrived and so have all of the winter holidays and festivities! This month is all about giving, gathering, and growing together as we celebrate all we’ve accomplished throughout the year. As we sunset our services after 43 remarkable years, our team will reflect on the successes of the Nutrition and Wellness Services program.

In this issue, our team will be sharing ways to spread wellness through thoughtful gift-giving, shining light on the importance of food pantries, and taking time to reflect and highlight the incredible work that Nutrition and Wellness Services has done throughout 2025.

From nourishing the body with wholesome foods to nurturing the soul through acts of kindness, here’s to closing the year and this chapter with health, happiness, and hope. Although this will be the last A Taste of Wellness magazine, let’s always remember to nourish one another as we continue striving for healthier and happier lives.

The Joy of Giving

‘Tis the season to give! The chilly holiday season brings joy, togetherness, and generosity. Choosing thoughtful, health-conscious gifts can aid loved ones to start the new year with wellness in mind. Gift giving isn’t just about social norms, it has measurable effects on the brain, hormones, stress levels, and even longevity. There’s some fascinating psychological and physiological research that has been conducted on gift giving and what happens to the brain and body when people give or receive gifts. It has been shown to make people healthier and happier to give thoughtfully.

Oxytocin Release – The Love Hormone

• Acts of generosity trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding, trust, and reduced stress. People often feel emotionally closer and more connected after giving or receiving meaningful gifts.

Stress Reduction and Health Benefits

• Research shows that giving can lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and improve cardiovascular health. In a longitudinal study, older adults who provided tangible support to others had lower mortality rates than those who did not.

Tips on Gift Giving:

Remember that gift giving doesn’t have to be materialistic. Donating time, sharing experiences, or writing heartfelt notes can be just as meaningful as store-bought presents, while keeping the spirit of generosity alive.

From Our Kitchen To Yours

By Marilyn Alicea, San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, Nutrition and Wellness Services
Health Education Assistant

A Holiday Comfort Recipe and a Bowl Full of Tradition – Homemade Oatmeal

There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of homemade oatmeal on a cold holiday morning. As the chill settles outside and the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg fills the kitchen, I find myself drawn to the simple ritual of stirring oats on the stove. It’s not just breakfast, it’s a moment of quiet joy, a way to slow down and savor the season. Whether topped with fresh apples, maple syrup, or a handful of cranberries, each spoonful feels like a hug from winter itself. For me, oatmeal isn’t just food, it’s tradition with family around the holiday season. Warmth and a little bit of magic in a bowl. This recipe creates a rich and creamy bowl of oatmeal by cooking the oats on the stove. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• (you can use other sweeteners of
• choice, such as agave, brown
• sugar, or honey (optional)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the milk and water to a gentle simmer.
2. Stir in the oats, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. For a touch of extra flavor, add vanilla extract and your preferred sweetener at this stage.
3. Reduce the heat to low and cook for five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally, until the oats have absorbed most of the liquid and reached a creamy consistency.
4. Remove the pan from the heat, cover, and let it rest for two to three minutes to thicken.
5. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Topping Suggestions:

Elevate your oatmeal with these delicious additions:

• Fruits: Sliced bananas, fresh berries, chopped apples, raisins, or other dried fruit.
• Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, pecans, chia seeds, or flax seeds.
• Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin pie spice.
• Sweeteners: A drizzle of agave, honey, or a spoonful of brown sugar.
• Extras: Top oatmeal with Greek yogurt or a spoonful of nut butter for extra protein.

Nutrition Facts:

Calories: 280, Total Fat: 5g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 360mg, Carbohydrates: 47g, Dietary Fiber: 4g, Protein: 11g, Sugar: 20g

Brightening the Season Through Food Pantries

The holiday season can be joyful, but it’s also a time when many families struggle to put food on the table. For this reason, food pantries are very important, especially during the holidays. Food pantries provide essential support by offering hot meals, canned foods, fruits, vegetables, proteins, and much more to households that may be facing tight budgets.

Why Food Needs Increase during the Winter and Holidays

As temperatures drop and expenses rise, many food pantries report higher demand around Thanksgiving and in December. In 2023, about 13.5% of U.S. households were food insecure at some time, which is equivalent to about 18 million households. When school meal programs pause during winter breaks, and extra holiday costs make budgets tighter, more families rely heavily on community pantries for help.

How the Holidays Connect to Giving Back

Holidays make people think of family and sharing. That feeling sparks volunteering and food drives. Pantries use this help to reach neighbors who may be hesitant to ask for support. Donating is a simple and effective way to show kindnes

Tip: Always check with pantries first before donating perishable items like fresh produce or dairy.

Food Insecurity Statistics in San Bernardino County

The food insecurity rate in San Bernardino County was 9.7% in 2021. Among these individuals, 22.0% were ineligible for federal nutrition programs. Food insecurity is defined by theUS Department of Agriculture as the lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active healthy life. As described by Feeding America, food insecurity is associated with numerous adverse social and health outcomes and is increasingly considered a critical public health issue. Key determinants of food insecurity include unemployment, poverty, and income instability, which can prevent adequate access to food.

Why Your Help Matters

A small donation feeds a person for days. When many people give a little, pantries can give a lot. The holidays are a good time to act. Donate, volunteer, or share this message. Every small act helps someone in need today.

As we gather with loved ones this holiday season, let’s remember the neighbors who could use a helping hand. Whether through a donation, a few hours of volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, each act of kindness helps ensure that every table has something to share. Together, we can make this season brighter and every meal a reminder of community and care.

Additional Resources

• San Bernardino County Community Food Resources
• San Bernardino County: Our Community Vital Signs

Tips from a Health Educator

Looking for ideas for inexpensive Christmas gifts this season? Handcrafted ornaments are the way to go this Christmas! It is a heartfelt way to celebrate the spirit of giving. Unlike store bought gifts, a handmade ornament carries the warmth of your time, creativity, and intention. Each stitch, brushstroke, or bead becomes a personal touch that tells the recipient they matter. Whether it’s shaped from clay, stitched from felt, or painted on wood, the ornament becomes a keepsake that can be hung year after year, reminding loved ones of your thoughtfulness. In a season often filled with hustle and spending, this kind of gift brings us back to what matters most: connection, care, and the joy of making something meaningful with our own hands.

Below are some gift making ideas that are easy and fun to do with the family or on your own –

Nutrition and Wellness Services – 2025 Highlights

Nutrition Education

Certified Farmers Markets

SUN Meals (Summer Meals)

SUN Meals, formerly known as Summer Meals, addresses food security to ensure that children continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. The program provides free meals to kids and teens (18 and younger). NWS attended SUN Meal events and provided enrichment activities throughout San Bernardino County.

12 SUN Meal events NWS participated in across county supervisorial districts.

1,561 Children and adults reached through nutrition education activities.

Food Insecurity Screening in Dental Offices

Three dental providers, in partnership with the San Bernardino County local Oral Health Program (Smile SBC), implemented food insecurity screening tools at Vernon Dental  Specialty Group, Parktree Community Health Center, and Friends of Family Health Center. These dental clinics provide general dentistry services, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry and specialty services within San Bernardino County.

A total of 351 patients were screened utilizing the food insecurity tool.

A total of 65 patients were identified as positive for food insecurity.

A total of 71 patients were provided with a local food assistance resource handout.

Nutrition Pantry Program

The Nutrition Pantry Program addresses food insecurity by providing assistance and support to food pantries in order to help create a more client focused food distribution to help meet the needs of participants. The overall goal of the Nutrition Pantry Program is to build relationships, support pantries, and create client-centered food distribution.

The Nutrition Pantry Program offers silver or gold certification to distributions that demonstrate evidence of implementation across six focus areas –

Nutrition Education, Cultural Dietary Accommodations, Inventory, Environmental, Pantry Policies & Procedures, and Community Connections.

This year, the Community Heart Feed the Need, Sahaba Initiative, and Restore Unity food pantries exceeded all expectations and requirements, proudly earning each of them a gold certification from Leah’s Pantry.

Growing Gardens

In addition, NWS has partnered with communities across the county to develop and revitalize edible gardens. In collaboration with the City of Victorville, the Victorville Wellness Center, University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Master Gardeners of San Bernardino, and the Symba Center, an edible garden was created to support the nutrition and wellness needs of center residents. NWS also worked with two community gardens, Seeds of Joy and Joshua Tree, to support and sustain ongoing revitalization efforts. Community members are actively using these gardens to grow fresh produce and to promote healthy, active living.

Nutrition and Wellness Services: Sunsetting a Legacy of Health and Empowerment in
San Bernardino County

A message from Monica Haag, MPH, RDN, Supervising Dietitian

Dear San Bernardino County residents,

On July 4, 2025, the federal spending and tax bill known as H.R.1, or the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, was signed into law ending the SNAP-Ed (CalFresh Healthy Living in California) program effective October 1, 2025. This decision closes the chapter on a program that transformed health and wellness across California. CalFresh Healthy Living interventions have been a cornerstone of community resilience, empowering families, schools, and local organizations to adopt healthier habits and build stronger, more vibrant communities.

NWS has been a driving force for healthier living for forty-three years in San Bernardino County. CalFresh Healthy Living (CFHL) has been the primary funding source for Nutrition and Wellness Services (NWS) for the past 25 years. This funding enabled NWS to develop and implement innovative, evidence-based programs. These initiatives empowered residents to embrace nutrition and physical activity as a foundation of wellness. Supported by CalFresh Healthy Living, the California Department of Public Health, and local partners like Saint Mary Medical Center and the County Superintendent of Schools, NWS built a robust network of support that reached families, schools, and neighborhoods.

Due to the elimination of this funding that supports the Department of Public Health’s Nutrition and Wellness Services, all program operations will be winding down by April 30, 2026. From the first NWS outreach event to its most recent implementation of a local community garden, the mission remained clear: educate on nutrition and physical activity, increase food access, and inspire healthy lifestyles. The partnerships formed and lessons shared continue to shape a county where healthy choices are a way of life. NWS leaves behind a proud legacy, and a healthier, more empowered community.

As we reflect on these NWS milestones, we celebrate decades of collaboration, the enduring power of education, and the resilient spirit of San Bernardino communities. The work may be complete, but the impact lives on, in healthier habits, stronger connections, and a shared vision for wellness that continues to inspire.

Special recognition goes to the writers, editors, and the Public Information Office team whose dedication made the A Taste of Wellness magazine a success over the years. This edition will be the magazine’s final publication.

With heartfelt appreciation for the many years of dedication and support to the NWS team.

Sincerely,

Nutrition and Wellness Services