Health Services Agency

Healthy Living

Healthy living starts with simple choices. Eating more fruits and vegetables, drinking more water, and finding fun ways to get moving can make a big difference. This page shares tips, tools, and local resources to help you explore nearby parks, try new recipes, or take a short walk. Every little step can help you feel stronger, more energized, and ready for what’s next. Together, these small changes help build a healthier, more active community.

Healthy Eating

The choices you make about food and drinks can greatly affect your health. Making small changes every day, such as adding fruits and vegetables to your meals or choosing water instead of sugary drinks, can make a big difference over time. Below are some resources that can help you build a healthy eating pattern that you can enjoy.

Active Living

Staying physically active, in addition to eating healthy, is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health. Start small by going for a walk, taking stretch breaks, or doing simple exercises to make a difference in your well-being. Every bit of movement helps! Get Outdoors!

Explore our community’s beautiful parks, trails, and open spaces to stay active and connected with nature. Visit ParkRx to find local parks and walking trails.

Tips for Getting Active

• Warm up before moving and cool down afterward.
• Drink water before, during, and after activity.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
• Listen to your body and increase intensity gradually. Pain or extreme exhaustion may be a sign of overdoing it.
• Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.

Learn More:

• Steps for Getting Started with Physical Activity
• Move Your Way – Tips for Getting Active Indoors
• Getting Started and Staying Active (NHLBI)

Food Resources in Our Community

Having access to food can help families prepare and eat healthy, balanced meals. The following local resources can help connect you to affordable food options in Stanislaus County:

• Family Resource Directory – searchable online directory with local resources for affordable food and public assistance programs.
• Food Resource Guide (English|Spanish)- Includes local food pantries, community meal programs, and emergency food services that provide support for anyone in need of healthy, affordable food.
• BenefitsCal: California’s online portal where you can apply for and manage public benefits all in one place. Through this site, you can check your eligibility, submit applications, and track benefits such as food assistance, cash aid, and affordable health coverage.
• Market Match: Helps stretch your food dollars when you shop at local farmers' markets. When you use your EBT card to buy fresh produce, you’ll get extra Market Match dollars—up to $15 per market day—to spend on even more fruits and vegetables. It’s an easy way to bring home more healthy, local food for your family.
  • Modesto Farmers Market – 1522 H St, Modesto, CA
    • Saturdays (Jan–Dec) 8 AM–1 PM; Thursdays (Apr–Oct) 8 AM–1 PM
  • Turlock Farmers Market – Main St, Turlock, CA
    • Saturdays (Mar–Dec) 9 AM–1 PM