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Why does food matter?
Why does food matter?
The food we grow and eat have environmental, social, and economic impacts. Furthermore, because schools serve breakfast and lunch everyday for many students, the decisions we make about what foods are served in schools has a big impact on both the health of students, and the health of the planet.
Environmental: The food system is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions fueling climate change. Industrial agriculture is dependent upon fossil fuels, and cattle grazing is a the leading cause of deforestation. Additionally, unsustainable farming practices and fertilizer runoff have led to groundwater depletion and contamination.
Social: Access to healthy food is not equitable, at least 23 million Americans live in food deserts where they must travel more than a mile to access a grocery store. Farmworkers are not adequately protected or receive a living wage for their work.
Economic: Major food monopolies control the majority of the U.S. food system, making it difficult for small and medium sized producers to compete and support a thriving local food economy.
Based on the issues in the food system, its important that schools procure sustainable food that supports a local food system while increasing access to nutritious meals for students.
Explore more about the environmental impact of school lunches in this 2024 New York Times article, "What is the True Price of a School Lunch?".
Key Mandates
Key Mandates
What are the key mandates and policies related to food in California schools?
What are the key mandates and policies related to food in California schools?
California mandates concerning food are focused around food access and nutrition, increasing farm-to-school networks and reducing food waste. Examples of legislation include:
California Universal Meal Program (2021) requires schools to provide two meals free of charge (breakfast and lunch) during each school day to students requesting a meal, regardless of their free or reduced-price meal eligibility
Healthy Hunger Free Kids Act (2010) increases access to healthy food for low-income children
Smart Snacks in Schools Criteria (2014-15) All foods sold at school (including vending) during the school day are required to meet nutrition standards.
AB 958 (Chapter 14) focuses on the CA Organic-to-School pilot program
AB 479 (Chapter 9) focuses on school plant-based food and beverage efforts
AB 1219 (Chapter 619) Edible food can be recovered through food sharing tables
SB 1383 (Chapter 395) requires school districts to report organic waste diversion rates and educational outreach efforts by 2022
Food Goals and Strategies
Food Goals and Strategies
What are the strategies we have to achieve sustainable food practices in schools?
What are the strategies we have to achieve sustainable food practices in schools?
Sustainable and Just Practices: Shift campus food procurement to more certified local, organic and fair trade sources. By purchasing ingredients from local farmers and producers using sustainable practices, students benefit from a connection to their meals while reducing the institutions overall ecological footprint. This also means reducing and diverting food waste. It is also encouraged that schools have some on-site food production that models these sustainable and just practices.
East Less Meat and Eat Better Meat: Serving more plant based foods can be healthier and more cost effective in addition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is also recommended that when meat is included in the offerings, to source from producers that use humane and regenerative practices.
On-Site Food Production: Install or enhance a school garden to accommodate fruits, vegetables and herbs that can be used in the dining service. Adding an on-site compost bin can also reduce food waste and promote garden space as a laboratory for learning.
Food and Nutrition Education: Implement an education campaign on campus to increase food literacy, nutrition, and awareness of the food system.
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