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School Districts Get a School Food Makeover

Program Recipients Announcement

With applications from school districts across the country, the selection process for our Get Schools Cooking 2018 cohort was difficult. We had many districts to choose from and spent time closely reviewing each application and interviewing top candidates. Each selected district demonstrates the passion, drive and ability to create real school food change. As the school year wraps up, Chef Ann Foundation is looking forward to school food transformation with a new cohort of districts. We are excited to announce the recipients of the 2018 Get Schools Cooking program. Read on to learn a little more about the program and each of the selected districts.

Get Schools Cooking is Chef Ann Foundation’s most comprehensive program. Through this program, we work with school districts to transition their food service operations from heat-and-serve processed foods to whole foods that are cooked from scratch. The program supports districts through this process starting with a workshop in Boulder, CO, followed by an assessment of their current operations, strategic planning to develop next steps, continued support and more. You can read more about program details here.

In collaboration with our partners at Whole Kids Foundation, we look forward to working with the following school districts on improving their meal programs:

Caroline County Public Schools

  • Denton, MD
  • Enrollment: 5,780
  • Free and Reduced Percentage: 58%

Caroline County Public Schools operates a food service program with an emphasis on local food and manages a Culinary Arts Center that offers culinary classes and catering for the district. Get Schools Cooking and the assessment process will provide the district with a fresh set of eyes and guidance on how the district can do even more.

“I feel with your organization’s expertise and passion, we will able to propel my district to the next level.” ~Beth Brewster, Food Service Supervisor

Goleta Union School District

  • Goleta, CA
  • Enrollment: 3,549
  • Free and Reduced Percentage: 40%

With a central kitchen that preps and cooks all food for their nine school sites, Goleta is looking forward to the support the program can provide them in furthering their scratch cook operation. The district already offers some scratch items but hopes that Get Schools Cooking will help them reach their goal of a fully cook from scratch operation.

“I want to elevate school food and change the way people view food in the cafeteria.” ~Kim Leung, Registered Dietitian, Food Services Director

Marysville Joint Unified School District

  • Marysville, CA
  • Enrollment: 10,700
  • Free and Reduced Percentage: 100% (CEP)

After spending the last five years making big changes to their program, Marysville Joint Unified School District feels they could use Get Schools Cooking’s support on improving their program even more. They are excited to enhance their menus and expand their number of scratch cooked offerings!

Napa Valley Unified School District

  • Napa, CA
  • Enrollment: 17,760
  • Free and Reduced Percentage: 52%

Having recently moved to a self-operated model, Napa Valley Unified School District has already made great strides in their meal program including the implementation of salad bars in all 30 schools. However, as they begin work on a central kitchen and adding more scratch cooked options, Get Schools Cooking will help them continue their work, leading to better food for students.

“The GSC grant will give us the support and mentoring that we need to move our program to the next level and continue to focus on only the best food for the Napa Valley Unified students.” ~Brandy Dreibelbis, Director of Food Services

The Get Schools Cooking partnership is excited to welcome these four districts to the program and looks forward to starting our work together on school food reform. They are joining a group of dedicated and passionate school districts leading the way in school food change. These previous cohorts already show progress and success, such as implementing salad bars, removing chicken patties and nuggets, and increasing their amount of local purchases. When it comes to makeovers, the Get Schools Cooking program is the initiative that takes school districts all the way, supporting them in bringing delicious and nutritious food to students.

The Get Schools Cooking partnership is excited to welcome these four districts to the program and looks forward to starting our work together on school food reform. They are joining a group of dedicated and passionate school districts leading the way in school food change. These previous cohorts already show progress and success, such as implementing salad bars, removing chicken patties and nuggets, and increasing their amount of local purchases. When it comes to makeovers, the Get Schools Cooking program is the initiative that takes school districts all the way, supporting them in bringing delicious and nutritious food to students.

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