Farm to School

We increase access to local, fresh, healthy food for OUSD students through collaboration with OUSD Nutrition Services, local California farms, and school gardens.

An OUSD student helping out with a HOTM Taste Test!

Harvest of the Month (HOTM)

Harvest of the Month is an initiative designed to celebrate the bounty and diversity of fruits and vegetables grown in California. Each month, we highlight a seasonal and locally sourced fruit or vegetable on our menus, through recipe videos, newsletters, giveaways, and more!

If you are looking for more information about engaging HOTM at your school, visit our HOTM Resources page.

“LIFE held a teach-in for Lunar New Year (LNY) so we incorporated the mandarin orange taste test into our day of learning about LNY traditions... It was such an authentic way to incorporate the HoTM and the kids loved eating something that directly connected with what they were learning about that day! They were especially excited to hear that mandarins are a symbol of good luck and being gifted them on LNY bestows prosperity for the year. “

-LIFE Academy

Harvest of the Month Bulletin Board at Westlake

Garden 2 Cafeteria

This year, we are piloting the Garden to Cafeteria (G2C) program, where 9 OUSD schools and The Center will grow 4 different crops to be served to students at their school! Schools will grow a selection of cherry tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, and snap peas that will be shared with students.

The following schools are participating in the G2C pilot program during the 2025-26 school year:

Castlemont High School

Claremont Middle School

Cleveland Elementary School

MetWest High School

Montclair Elementary School

Oakland International High School

Prescott Elementary School

Sequoia Elementary School

Young Adult Program (YAP) @ Santa Fe Campus

Tomatoes from MetWest!

Students stewarding the Montclair garden!

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