By Nancy Saenjaeng, Division Chief
Following the success of February’s Walking Challenge, the County’s Wellness Committee polled staff to find out which topics they preferred for the next event. The top three options were Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, and Managing Stress. Based on that feedback, the committee launched its first Healthy Eating program, Nourish, from May 19 to June 15, 2025.
What is Nourish?
Nourish aims to cultivate healthy habits in eating, sleep, exercise, and mindfulness. By selecting more nutrient-dense foods, participants enhance energy, boost mood, improve focus, and overall well-being.
DSS Participation
This program attracted an impressive 423 participants across 21 departments countywide, including 157 from DSS, a fantastic turnout that shows our department’s growing enthusiasm for wellness.
DSS Teams Shine
DSS teams once again made their mark among 54 total team:
- Health Hustlers: Eva Ochoa, Sonia Aguirre, Gloria Kelley, Juliza Hernandez, and Katie Bell. They clinched the #1 spot countywide! Congratulations!
- Remaining Top DSS Teams: The Clean Plate Club, Avocados from Mexico, Las Fresas and Whole Foodies.
Incentives & Rewards
Prizes kept the momentum going strong throughout the challenge.
- Week 1: First 200 employees logging 5 days earned a County-branded Bento lunch box.
- Weeks 2–4: Gift cards rewarded employees and teams for completing Thrive activities, meeting plant goals, and posting on the Wall.
- End of Program: Two employees earned reward cards for logging at least 25 days.
- 29 gift card winners
Looking Ahead
This challenge marked DSS’s first participation in a Healthy Eating initiative, and it reflects our shared commitment to wellness across the County. Thank you to everyone who took part for your enthusiasm, spirit, and dedication.
Together, we are proving that wellness isn’t just about individual health, it’s about supporting one another, building pride in our teams, and strengthening our culture of care.
Keep up the great work and healthy habits and stay tuned for the next Countywide wellness opportunity!
Winning Team: Team Health Hustlers - Juliza Hernandez, Sonia Aguirre, Gloria Kelley, Eva Ochoa and Katie Bell