Nutrition and Wellness Services program leaves a 43-year legacy

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After 43 years of promoting healthy lifestyles and community well-being, San Bernardino County Public Health Department’s Nutrition and Wellness Services (NWS) will begin to wind down and is scheduled to sunset early next year. Throughout its history, NWS staff have built a lasting legacy of health promotion, known for their ability to connect with communities and foster strong partnerships that improve health and increase awareness of program services.

NWS has played a vital role in fostering community growth, particularly in underserved areas of the county. Through tireless dedication, teams expanded access to nutrition education and physical well-being initiatives. Their meaningful engagement with community members helped build trust and empowered individuals to make informed, healthier choices.
“From our very first outreach event to our most recent wellness fair, our purpose has remained the same: to empower every resident with the knowledge and tools to live a healthier life and to have access to healthy food,” said Monique Amis, division chief for Community and Family Health at Public Health.

A key part of these empowerment efforts is NWS’s monthly digital magazine, A Taste of Wellness, which provides tools for creating delicious, nutritious recipes while spotlighting the work of local agencies that promote healthy services, including community gardens, food pantries and more.

NWS initiatives addressing food insecurity — such as SUN Meals (formerly Summer Meals), offered during the summer months when children are out of school — have also made a significant impact. This year, the team hosted 12 SUN Meals events across the county’s supervisorial districts, reaching more than 1,500 children and adults through nutrition education activities.

“NWS leaves behind a proud legacy and a healthier, more empowered community,” said Monica Haag, NWS supervising dietitian. “As we reflect on these milestones, we celebrate decades of collaboration, the enduring power of education, and the resilient spirit of San Bernardino County communities .”

To learn more about holiday recipes and program updates from our December A Taste of Wellness magazine, please visit: bit.ly/ATOWDec2026.
To view an accessible version of the magazine, please visit https://dph.sbcounty.gov/atow-december-2025/.

Be sure to watch NWS’ farewell video, which reflects on the program’s history and highlights the dedicated work of NWS staff in building a healthier community.
https://bit.ly/NWSProgramFarewell.

Additional County Update News – December 18