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The 2nd Annual Open House at The Center is on October 25! It's free and open to the community!
Oakland Unified School District
Who We Are
Who We Are
We are Oakland Unified School District’s Environment, Food & Garden (EFG) Team at The Center. We provide hands-on programs for TK–12th grade and Young Adult students across the district, connecting learning to food, gardens, and the environment on site at The Center (Central Kitchen, Education Center and Instructional Garden). We support and guide programs at OUSD school sites.
What We Do
What We Do
We root all our EFG programs in a dynamic pedagogy that emphasizes interactive, hands-on, and culturally relevant learning and teaching. We connect students, families, and community members with resources, tools, and events to increase access to healthy food.
The majority of our programs are funded by grants & donations. We need your help to continue Environment, Food & Garden education in OUSD!
The majority of our programs are funded by grants & donations. We need your help to continue Environment, Food & Garden education in OUSD!
In 2024-25....
In 2024-25....
2,075 OUSD Students
2,075 OUSD Students
came to The Center on a field trip
9,520 Seeds & Plant Starts
9,520 Seeds & Plant Starts
were grown in our greenhouse for OUSD school gardens
77 OUSD Schools
77 OUSD Schools
participated in EFG Programming
Our Strategic Priorities
Our Strategic Priorities
1 . Access to Fresh Local Foods & Nutrition
1 . Access to Fresh Local Foods & Nutrition
We strive to support access to fresh, local, and nutritious food so OUSD students will be healthier and better equipped for learning and success; to strengthen local food economies; and prioritize a more equitable local food system.
2 . Innovative Environment, Food and Garden (EFG) Education
2 . Innovative Environment, Food and Garden (EFG) Education
We curate resources to guide and support OUSD school communities with relevant, culturally responsive learning opportunities so that OUSD students will be empowered with the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices and be engaged local citizens.
3. Thriving Environment, Food and Garden (EFG) Spaces
3. Thriving Environment, Food and Garden (EFG) Spaces
We guide and support well-resourced, maintained, and inviting spaces for connection, learning and access to the outdoors.
4. Resilient, Responsive Operating and Funding Models
4. Resilient, Responsive Operating and Funding Models
We aim to operate our programs responsibly and sustainably in order to ensure consistent, effective long-term impact and operational stability. Currently, all of our programs are grant-funded. Learn more about how you can support this effort here.
5. Meaningful Connection to the Oakland Community
5. Meaningful Connection to the Oakland Community
We foster meaningful connections throughout Oakland and align our programs with outcomes that support and empower our local communities, to help ensure a thriving Oakland.
Check out our 2024-25 Impact Report (Aug. 2025)
Check out our 2024-25 Impact Report (Aug. 2025)
End of Year Data Impact Report 2024-25.pdfCheck out our Strategic Plan & Three Year Impact Report (Oct. 2024)
Check out our Strategic Plan & Three Year Impact Report (Oct. 2024)
Final OUSD EFG Strategic Plan and Impact Report Oct 2024 (Recommend Viewing in 2 Page Booklet Format.pdfPage updated
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