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Benicia USD incorporates student feedback into scratch-made school meals for greater participation

Posted on October 29, 2026 by Joshua Bingham
Benicia Unified School District farm to school activities include (clockwise from top left) Harvest of the Month, on-campus farmers’ markets and a recipe card for students to take home to share a scratch-made recipe created by Food and Nutrition Services staff featuring seasonal, local ingredients.   

Benicia Unified School District (BUSD) in Solano County is utilizing $200,000 in CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program funding to provide students with nutritious and delicious meals by incorporating more scratch cooking, minimizing processed foods and developing recipes utilizing ingredients from local farms. The project includes hands-on educational activities for students, including gardening, taste tests, field trips to farms and cooking demonstrations.

“The CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant has allowed us to expand our efforts in bringing fresh, locally grown foods into our schools while creating meaningful opportunities for students to learn about nutrition and agriculture,” said Gesley-Marie Prado, BUSD Nutrition Manager. “One of the most rewarding experiences has been seeing students excited to try new foods and become more engaged in what they eat. None of this would be possible without the dedication and teamwork of our Food and Nutrition Services staff, who bring these initiatives to life every day. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable farm to school program for our students and community.”

Through CDFA grant funding, BUSD developed scratch-cooked recipes that highlight seasonal local ingredients, including three sisters stew, butternut chicken chili, scratch-made marinara, pork torta sandwich, house-made pickled jalapenos and carrots, fresh Brussels sprouts and zucchini, local farm-fresh eggs in breakfast burritos and fried rice, farm-raised beef in carne asada and homemade refried beans.

Among BUSD’s hands-on nutritional education events is Harvest of the Month, for which a seasonal fruit or vegetable is featured in a scratch-made recipe. Each event includes educational materials such as posters, informational flyers and recipe cards for students to take home and share with their families.

Additional hands-on educational events included on-campus farmers’ markets and International Passport Week, for which BUSD created recipes to feature countries and their cultures. Menu items included Filipino chicken adobo, Estonian potato salad, Fijian chicken curry and Rwandan Igisafuliya chicken stew.

BUSD gathers student feedback through surveys, conversations and involving student leadership in nutrition education events. This has been extremely helpful in guiding menu development and the adoption of new foods.

“We have found that students are more receptive to trying new foods when they know their opinions are valued and incorporated into future menus,” Prado said. “Their feedback has played an important role in improving the overall school meal experience while encouraging greater participation in our farm to school initiatives.”

October is National Farm to School Month! Join us and thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities and organizations across the country as we celebrate food education, school gardens and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients.

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog.

Posted in CDFA Farm to School Network, CDFA Farm to School Program, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Live Oak School District brings farm to school to culinary classes, cafeteria, school farm

Posted on October 27, 2026 by Joshua Bingham
Live Oak School District farm to school activities include (clockwise from top) a Field of Dreams farm built on an unused softball field, Child Nutrition Director Kelsey Perusse thanking culinary students and a plant-based lemon strawberry tartlet created by students.

Live Oak School District (LOSD) in Santa Cruz County is utilizing $200,000 in CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program funding to support hands-on culinary and garden education utilizing sustainably grown, locally sourced farm produce. This includes a Food Lab class increasing scratch-cooked meals in the cafeteria and working collaboratively with Life Lab Garden classrooms and the district farm.

For example, Cypress High School Food Lab students collaborated with fulltime school farmer Geoff Palla and district-based Brigaid Chef Scott Felgner to offer zucchini muffins, pasta with kale pesto, and scratch-made marinara and salsa including school farm-grown tomatoes. At the annual farm dinner in May, students made a plant-based lemon strawberry tartlet with strawberries from the district’s “Field of Dreams” farm, an unused softball field turned into an interactive outdoor classroom.

During the past school year, LOSD grew 17 varieties of vegetables and herbs that produced 4,800 pounds of produce. Food that’s grown by the district but not used is donated to Second Harvest Food Bank. Student meals include produce purchased at Santa Cruz Farmers’ Market and local farms.

“Students gave feedback that one of their favorite parts was the taste tests,” LOSD Child Nutrition Director Kelsey Perusse said. “Through this grant we are now offering taste tests during lunch, in school gardens and on farm fields.”

“Taste tests can make a significant difference in students’ willingness to try new foods,” LOSD Child Nutrition Operations Manager Yumery Salazar Rivas added. “We have had instances where students come through the lunch line and share that they are choosing a particular entrée because they tried it for the first time during a taste test and discovered they liked it! Some students may initially be hesitant to try something unfamiliar, but seeing their peers participate often encourages them to step outside their comfort zones and give new foods a chance.” 

LOSD recently planted an apple orchard and more than 1,500 students visited the school farm during the past year. LOSD’s mental health clinician and speech therapist also bring students to the school farm to enjoy a calm environment.

The development and implementation of new School Garden Lessons Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards is affectionately called the district’s “CDFA Curriculum.” District officials appreciate that what teachers and students learn on the farm continues in the classroom.

“We received incredible teacher feedback from our CDFA lessons,” Child Nutrition Director Perusse said. “One of the favorite comments was that after the garden lesson, the teacher went back into the classroom to continue it.”

October is National Farm to School Month! Join us and thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities and organizations across the country as we celebrate food education, school gardens and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients.

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog post.

Posted in CDFA Farm to School Network, CDFA Farm to School Program, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork | Tagged , | Leave a comment

CA Citrus Advisory Committee member Maribel Nenna is passionate about agriculture

Posted on October 23, 2026 by Joshua Bingham

This International Year of the Woman Farmer, CDFA celebrates and thanks CDFA advisory committee members for contributions to their industries and communities. Following is a spotlight of a member of the California Citrus Advisory Committee.

Maribel Nenna
Citrus Grower, Grower Relations & Field Division Manager, Tulare County

What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture?
Agriculture has been my passion for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was fortunate to be surrounded by a family who introduced me to agriculture and instilled in me the values of hard work, perseverance and stewardship of the land. Watching the dedication required to grow a crop and care for the land inspired a deep appreciation for the people who make agriculture possible.

As my career developed, that passion grew into a purpose. While working closely with growers, I realized that truly representing them required more than industry knowledge; it required firsthand experience. That realization inspired my husband and me to invest in citrus acreage so I could better understand the challenges, risks and costs growers face every day.

What continues to inspire me is the resilience of farming families and the opportunity to contribute to an industry that feeds communities, supports livelihoods and sustains future generations. Agriculture is more than a career to me. It is a way of life, a responsibility and a passion that continues to shape who I am.

Could you please describe your farming operation?
I’m a citrus grower, as well as grower relations and field division manager based in Tulare County. With my husband and brother, we farm navels, Cara Caras, lemons and mandarins. I currently work with Jireh Packing Company, proudly marketed by Kings River Marketing Group, where I support grower relations, field operations and industry initiatives.

What does being a woman in agriculture mean to you?
Being a woman in agriculture means having the courage to step into spaces where few women have gone before and allowing your work, character and dedication to speak louder than expectations. Early in my career, I became the first female field representative in the San Joaquin Valley. There were times when I had to work harder to earn credibility and prove that I belonged in the field. Rather than viewing those moments as obstacles, I embraced them as opportunities to learn, grow and demonstrate that knowledge, integrity and commitment are not defined by gender. To me, being a woman in agriculture means serving as a bridge between growers, packer and the communities we support. It means advocating for farming families, understanding their challenges firsthand and helping ensure their voices are heard. Most importantly, it means helping create a path for the women who follow. If my journey shows another young woman that she belongs in agriculture, then I have contributed to something much larger than myself.

Why did you become a member of the California Citrus Advisory Committee and what do your duties entail?
I became a member of the California Citrus Advisory Committee because I believe the future of California citrus depends on strong industry leadership, collaboration and a commitment to representing the voices of growers. Throughout my career in grower relations and field operations, I have worked closely with citrus growers and gained firsthand insight into the challenges they face, including production costs, water management, labor, weather variability and market conditions. Serving on the committee provides an opportunity to bring those perspectives forward and help ensure growers have a voice in important industry discussions. As both a citrus grower and industry professional, I understand the importance of making informed decisions that support the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of California citrus. My responsibilities include reviewing the implementation of the California Citrus Inspection Program and evaluating crop and acreage survey activities conducted through the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Working alongside fellow committee members, I help review industry issues, provide recommendations, and support programs and policies that strengthen California citrus.

What advice would you give the next generation of women in agriculture?
My advice to the next generation of women in agriculture is simple: Never let anyone tell you what you are capable of achieving. If agriculture is your passion, pursue it with confidence, determination and an open mind. There is a place for women in every part of this industry, from the farm and field to leadership, research, business and beyond. There may be times when you are the only woman in the room or the first woman to hold a particular role. Do not let that discourage you. Let it motivate you. Your knowledge, work ethic, integrity and character will always speak louder than assumptions or expectations. Agriculture requires resilience, adaptability and a willingness to continue learning. There will be early mornings, long days and challenges that require perseverance, but there is also incredible purpose in being part of an industry that feeds families and strengthens communities. Believe in yourself. Do not place limits on your potential, and do not allow others to place limits on it, either. The seeds you plant today, through your effort, your character and your perseverance, have the power to grow into opportunities far greater than you can imagine.

Is there anything else you would like to share?
Agriculture is more than a career to me. It is a responsibility, a connection to the land and a commitment to the generations who depend on it.

I am deeply grateful for the growers, mentors and industry leaders who have supported me throughout my journey and trusted me with the responsibility of representing their voices. Every opportunity I have been given has strengthened my belief that agriculture succeeds through collaboration, dedication and a shared commitment to the future.

As we celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer, I hope more women recognize agriculture as a place where they can lead, contribute and build meaningful careers.

The future of agriculture will be shaped by those willing to learn, adapt, serve and lead. I am proud to be part of an industry built on perseverance, stewardship and generations of dedication.

CDFA’s California Citrus Advisory Committee oversees the implementation of the California Citrus Program inspection program, crop and acreage survey work performed through the National Agricultural Statistics Service, and makes recommendations to the Secretary on matters pertaining to the citrus industry. The committee comprises 12 voting members who are handlers and producers of citrus in California.

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog.

Posted in California Citrus Advisory Committee, CDFA California Citrus Program, CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Farm to family childcare project receives national recognition

Posted on October 22, 2026 by Joshua Bingham
Hands-on education fostered by First 5 Shasta and UCCE through a CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant includes (clockwise from top) a childcare provider and children experiencing a nectarine, a childcare provider teaching growing a sweet potato and a child painting with carrot tops.

Farm to school is for all ages! This is proven through a project by First 5 Shasta and University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) in Shasta County funded through the CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program.

Beginning in 2025, this project provided six weeks of hands-on education and California-grown produce to 12 childcares across Shasta County. Education was provided by Shasta College students via the USDA Grow It, Try It, Like It and Harvest of the Month resources. It was so successful that it won first place in the western region and third place nationally for the 2026 Early Childhood Child Care Training Award from the National Association of Family and Consumer Sciences.

“This project showed us that farm to school can start well before children enter school,” UCCE Community Nutrition and Health Advisor Janessa Hartmann said. “We were able to increase young children’s acceptance of fruits and vegetables, build the skills and confidence of childcare providers, engage families and invest in our local food system. Most importantly, we saw the ripple effect at home where a child explores a new food at childcare, gets excited and talks about it at home and now that food becomes a part of the family’s routine.”

Over two years, the project purchased and distributed more than 8,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables from 11 farms. Providers not only incorporated the produce into meals and snacks but also made fruit leather, jam, cobblers, pickles, salsa, zucchini bread, spaghetti sauce and even peach ice cream. Many families were able to take home many of the fruits and vegetables.

This project engaged with 170 children that tasted 24 fruits and vegetables. Taste testing results were positive – 88% of children tried the featured item and 71% said they would eat them again. Among the 82 families that completed the final survey, 88% reported their child tried new fruits and vegetables and 96% said their child asked for fruits and vegetables at home. One parent shared, “She now says, ‘Try it ‘cause you might like it’ at the table.”

For more information about this project, contact Jackie Scott at jscott@first5shasta.org or Janessa Hartmann at jlhartmann@ucanr.edu.

October is National Farm to School Month! Join us and thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities and organizations across the country as we celebrate food education, school gardens and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients.

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog post.

Posted in CDFA Farm to School Network, CDFA Farm to School Program, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

CDFA funding helps Lawndale ESD incorporate scratch cooking into its 15-year-strong farm to school program

Posted on October 20, 2026 by Joshua Bingham
(Left, L-R) Lawndale Elementary School District (ESD) Central Kitchen’s Production Chef Sandra Orozco and Doreyda Gonzalez-Davila are able to provide school meals made from scratch in part from CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant funding. (Right) Lawndale ESD’s work to highlight student voice and choice in recipe development led to this preferred Pozole Verde with Chicken dish being enjoyed by Will Rogers Middle School students.

Lawndale Elementary School District (ESD) in Los Angeles County is utilizing $200,000 in CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant funding to expand its 15-year-strong farm to school program. In particular, CDFA funding is helping the district expand procurement of California-grown items and create a Central Kitchen team to focus on scratch cooking.

Lawndale ESD’s Nutrition & Wellness Services Department served 979,820 meals, or about 5,443 meals a day, in the 2025-26 school year. During that time and continuing, the team worked to highlight student voice and choice in the recipe development process to bring culturally relevant and appealing recipes to school menus. This partnership yielded items like a Pollo Asado Bowl (Fire Grilled Chicken), Pozole Verde with Chicken (Tomatillo Hominy Stew with Chicken), Spicy and Cheesy Bean Dip, herby and fresh Buttermilk Ranch and Chocolate Chip Muffins, and more.

“The past two years have been filled with interesting and productive experiences where we have advanced and continue to grow and incorporate new recipes,” Lawndale ESD Central Kitchen Production Chef Sandra Orozco said. “We find new success each time we see our students smile. It’s a sign of their gratitude and appreciation for the work that we do.”

Lawndale ESD’s farm to school efforts include providing experiential learning opportunities like cooking and gardening to students in their pre-kindergarten-through-8th-grade urban district with an enrollment of about 4,300 students. Officials appreciate CDFA grant funding allowing them to strengthen the local economy through purchasing more produce from neighboring small farmers.

“We’ve also been able to make the Central Kitchen team a permanent part of operations,” Lawndale ESD Nutrition & Wellness Services Director Lissette Rooney added about benefits of the funding. “This ensures that high-quality, scratch-made meals and California-grown and produced items will continue to be featured in the thousands of meals that are prepared and served each school day.”

October is National Farm to School Month! Join us and thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities and organizations across the country as we celebrate food education, school gardens and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients.

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog post.

Posted in CDFA Farm to School Network, CDFA Farm to School Program, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Farm to School connects local food system and community for Hoopa Valley High School students

Posted on October 15, 2026 by Joshua Bingham
Hoopa Valley High School students participate in the annual Salmon Project, co-sponsored by the Klamath-Trinity Resource Conservation District receiving CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program funding to help connect students to the local food system and community.

The Klamath-Trinity Resource Conservation District (KTRCD) invests CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant funding to support local producers, local food procurement and hands-on education to help connect the classroom, cafeteria, local food system and community.

KTRCD is an Indigenous nonprofit working to connect local food, schools, producers and culturally relevant food education throughout the Klamath-Trinity region of Humboldt, Del Norte and Trinity counties in Northern California. An important part of this work is the KTRCD Food Hub, which purchases food from local farmers and producers and helps connect locally produced foods back to schools and the community. The KRTCD Food Hub recently purchased food from 26 local producers and provided food safety education.

KTRCD’s Farm to School work also creates opportunities for Hoopa Valley students to learn about traditional foods and food practices through direct experience and community mentorship. In partnership with schools, Tribal programs, local organizations, producers and community knowledge holders, students participate in hands-on activities involving salmon, Pacific lamprey, deer, acorns, locally gathered plants, gardening, food preparation, preservation and other traditional foods.

“Our workshops offer an opportunity for students to engage with school and culture simultaneously,” said Hoopa Valley High School Cultural Connections, Cultural Studies and Natural Resources teacher Natalie M. Scott. “And it turn, that improves our attendance and behavior outcomes. Students that sometimes struggle to engage with school are given another avenue of engagement.”

Recently, KTRCD was a partner in the annual Salmon Project where more than 30 Hoopa Valley High School students learned about salmon species, fisheries management, selection harvest, traditional processing, smoking, kippering and preservation. Students visited the Hoopa Valley Tribe’s weir at Tish Tang and worked directly with harvested salmon, learning how to gut, filet, strip, hang, smoke and preserve the fish alongside community instructors and partners.

“It’s a learning experience for all of us and it’s meaningful that we’re coming together to practice our culture,” Hoopa Valley High School student Marion “Buckeroo” McCovey said about the Salmon Project experience. “The more we are together, the more we build.”

October is National Farm to School Month! Join us and thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities and organizations across the country as we celebrate food education, school gardens and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients.

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog post.

Posted in CDFA Farm to School Network, CDFA Farm to School Program, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Farm to school fosters life skills and pride in seeing work grow for El Dorado County students

Posted on October 13, 2026 by Joshua Bingham
Students in El Dorado Union High School District participate in hands-on agricultural learning through hydroponics and traditional gardens made possible by the CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant.

El Dorado Union High School District is utilizing CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program funding to bring hands-on agriculture into special education programs at five high schools in southern El Dorado County.

“This grant has given our special education students the opportunity to learn by doing,” said Adult Transition Program Teacher Trish Hardy. “They are growing food, comparing different growing methods, harvesting, cooking and developing real-life skills along the way. Most importantly, we have been able to create opportunities for students of all abilities to participate and experience the pride that comes from growing something themselves.”

Through $200,000 in grant funding, El Dorado, Union Mine, Ponderosa, Oak Ridge and Independence high schools have developed programs that fit each campus and its students. At one campus, garden beds and gravel pathways were added so students who use wheelchairs can more fully participate. Students use hydroponic systems, outdoor gardens and grow lights. Some schools are comparing hydroponic and traditionally grown plants, while others are using what they grow in cooking activities.

Students across El Dorado Union High School District are now planting, maintaining, harvesting and using what they grow. Along the way, they’re learning responsibility, teamwork, problem solving, cooking and workplace skills. District officials see the farm to school investments as a great starting point to continue expanding gardens and hydroponic programs, grow more food and eventually see food grown by students used in school cafeterias.

“Most of all, we want to keep creating opportunities where every student can participate, contribute and see the results of their work grow,” Hardy added.

October is National Farm to School Month! Join us and thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities and organizations across the country as we celebrate food education, school gardens and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients.

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog post.

Posted in CDFA Farm to School Network, CDFA Farm to School Program, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Alyssa Burkart Gonzales values representing family farms on Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee

Posted on October 9, 2026 by Joshua Bingham

This International Year of the Woman Farmer, CDFA celebrates and thanks CDFA advisory committee members for contributions to their industries and communities. Following is a spotlight of a member of the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee.

Alyssa Burkart Gonzales
Burkart Organics

What inspired you to pursue a career in agriculture?
Agriculture has always been a part of my life. I grew up on my family’s farm, started in 1965 by my grandmother, surrounded by orchards, harvest seasons, farmers’ markets and the hard work that goes into producing tree fruit. I watched my dad dedicate his life to farming and it has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the industry and the people who make it possible. Today, I have the privilege of helping carry on a family legacy while finding new ways to connect consumers with the people and stories behind their food.

Could you please describe your farming operation?
I am part of Burkart Organics, a family-owned and operated organic fruit farm located in California’s Central Valley. Our family has been farming for six decades, and we specialize in a wide variety of organic stone fruit, citrus, dried fruit and other tree fruits. I manage our marketing, social media, website, customer communications, sales initiatives and farmers’ market operations. I work closely with our customers, helping bridge the gap between the farm and the communities we serve. We sell directly to consumers through Certified Farmers’ Markets throughout California, allowing us to build relationships with our customers and share firsthand knowledge about our farming practices and products. We also sell wholesale to Earl’s Organic Produce in San Francisco and have for several decades, as well as direct wholesale in the Central Valley and Los Angeles areas.

One of the most rewarding aspects of our operation is being able to connect people directly to the source of their food. Whether it’s explaining how a particular variety was grown, sharing the story behind a harvest, or helping customers discover a new favorite fruit, those interactions are what make direct-to-consumer agriculture so special.

What does being a woman in agriculture mean to you?
Being a woman in agriculture means honoring the generations of women who have contributed to farming, often without receiving the recognition they deserved, while helping pave the way for future generations. Agriculture today is incredibly diverse and women are leading in every aspect of the industry – from production and research to marketing, advocacy and business management.

For me, personally, being a woman in agriculture means proving that leadership comes in many forms. While I may not spend every day driving tractors or managing irrigation systems, I play an important role in helping our farm thrive and grow. It means bringing a unique perspective, building relationships, advocating for farmers and helping ensure that agriculture remains strong and sustainable for future generations.

Why did you become a member of the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee, and what do your duties entail?
I became involved with the Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee because I am passionate about preserving and strengthening California’s direct marketing system. Certified Farmers’ Markets provide farmers with an opportunity to connect directly with consumers, educate the public about agriculture and receive fair value for their products.

As a committee member, I help provide input and recommendations on issues affecting Certified Farmers’ Markets, producers and consumers. The role involves reviewing policies, discussing industry challenges, and helping ensure that the integrity and effectiveness of California’s Certified Farmers’ Market program are maintained. I value the opportunity to represent the perspective of family farmers and contribute to conversations that impact the future of direct agricultural marketing.

What advice would you give the next generation of women in agriculture?
Don’t be afraid to pursue a career in agriculture and make your voice heard. Agriculture needs passionate, innovative and dedicated leaders, and there is room for women in every corner of this industry.

Be willing to learn, ask questions and take on challenges even when you don’t feel completely ready. Some of the greatest opportunities come from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Build relationships, find mentors and remember that your perspective is valuable.

Most importantly, stay connected to your purpose. Agriculture can be demanding, but it is also incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re growing crops, conducting research, advocating for farmers or connecting consumers to food, your work matters. The future of agriculture depends on the next generation bringing fresh ideas while honoring the traditions and values that have sustained our industry for generations.

CDFA’s Certified Farmers’ Market Advisory Committee advises the Secretary on all matters pertaining to direct marketing of agricultural products at Certified Farmers’ Markets, with the primary goal of ensuring the integrity of Certified Farmers’ Markets. The committee comprises 14 members and their alternates who are producers or representatives of agricultural organizations that represent producers, Certified Farmers’ Market operators or representatives of the operator, one public member and one county agricultural commissioner.

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog.

Posted in CDFA Direct Marketing Program, CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division, Certified Farmers Market, Certified Farmers Market Advisory Committee | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Healing Harvest: Growing wellness, connection, opportunity through farm to school

Posted on October 8, 2026 by Joshua Bingham
Farm to school activities at San Marcos Unified in San Diego County include (clockwise from left) students receiving a bag of fresh fruit and veggies from farmers’ markets provided by Food 4 Thought; planting of El Huerto de los Sueños / Orchard of Dreams at Twin Oaks Elementary, a dual language immersion program school; and students cooking with chef Lety Gonzales during a farm field trip to Fox Point Farm.

At San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD) in San Diego County, farm to school is about more than what is served on the lunch tray. Through the district’s 2023-24 CA Farm to School Incubator Grant project called “Healing Harvest,” all 17,912 Transitional Kindergarten –12th grade students in the district have access to intentional food, agriculture and wellness experiences designed to help young minds connect, learn and thrive.

These experiences include: eating California-grown foods, visiting Stehly Farms and the Ecology Center, exploring Indigenous grains and milpa agriculture with university biology partners, and participating in culinary therapy. The three wellness-focused agricultural spaces that anchor this work across the district are Grizzly Grove at Mission Hills High School, El Huerto de los Sueños / Orchard of Dreams at Twin Oaks Elementary, and the Love and Kindness Garden at Double Peak School, with additional spaces in development.

What makes SMUSD’s farm to school project unique is its intentional connection between food, farms and social-emotional wellness. Grant funding supports a school social worker who helps facilitate these experiences, ensuring that food- and farm-based wellness activities are guided by trained mental health staff.

“When we arrive at the farm, I just feel like I can breathe good there—like I am peaceful,” one Mission Hills High School student shared. “Even when we taste the food, it makes me feel healthier just tasting it. Those days at the farm are my best school days.”

That connection between personal well-being, food and the land is also central to SMUSD’s community partnerships.

“Many of the youth of today while carrying a value system for the ecology of the earth do not always carry this over to their food,” Jack Ford of Stehly Farms said. “Food is not a product or a thing, but a direct relationship with Mother Nature. It’s essential for their health and the health of the planet that we extend these values and practices to our diet.”

And the work continues to grow. The developing Agricultural Innovation Center and student-led farm stand will create new opportunities to connect agriculture, nutrition, career technical education, student enterprise and farm to school experiences.

October is National Farm to School Month! Join us and thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities and organizations across the country as we celebrate food education, school gardens and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients.

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog.

Posted in CDFA Farm to School Network, CDFA Farm to School Program, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Porterville USD helps environment, supports small farmers through incorporating locally grown produce into school meals

Posted on October 6, 2026 by Joshua Bingham
Porterville USD utilizes CDFA Farm to School Incubator Grant Program funding to (clockwise from top) host a local beekeeper to educate students on the importance of pollinators, introduce CAPS interns to local Castle Brite Farms, create educational posters for Harvest of the Month, and host free farmers’ markets. 

California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program funds are hard at work in Tulare County helping Porterville Unified School District’s Student Nutrition Services strengthen farm to school connections across the district and expand its commitment to purchasing locally grown food.

In 2024, Porterville USD was awarded $200,000 to procure local food to incorporate into a Harvest of the Month program, as well as support paid internships for three district students in partnership with statewide nonprofit Climate Action Pathways for Schools (CAPS). In a true farm to school experience, two summer interns even grew pumpkins used in Porterville USD’s signature “cowboy bread” served in school meals.

Interns also analyzed greenhouse gas emissions from produce deliveries. Their data shows that sourcing locally grown produce not only provides fresher food, but also emits only a fraction of the greenhouse gases generated by shipments from outside California. Porterville USD local producers include EZM Inc., Castle Brite Farms, Shanley Farms, Fresno BIPOC, Sunlight Almonds, J&R Meat Company and Madera Queen Honey. Farmers involved in the project agree that working directly with schools has created positive impacts on their livelihoods through stable partnerships and opportunities to connect directly with the community.

By bringing locally produced foods into cafeterias and classrooms, Porterville students are learning where their food comes from and building lasting appreciation for sustainability, community and the importance of supporting local farmers for generations to come.

This work reflects the growing farm to school movement by connecting education, nutrition, sustainability and local agriculture. To learn more or get involved, visit CDFA’s CA Farm to School Program website or send a message to: cafarmtoschool@cdfa.ca.gov.

October is National Farm to School Month! Join us and thousands of schools, early care and education sites, farms, communities and organizations across the country as we celebrate food education, school gardens and lunch trays filled with healthy, local ingredients.

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog post.

Posted in CDFA Farm to School Network, CDFA Farm to School Program, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Office of Farm to Fork | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment