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Hayward Unified School District has had a Farm to School program for nearly ten years. They currently work with Ripple-Riley-Thomas, a pear, orange, kiwi, grape, and apple grower in Ukiah. A produce company supplies the fresh vegetables and fruits that are not available from the growers. The district has found the fruits purchased from the farm not only more fresh, but also less expensive than those purchased from the produce provider. All the produce is purchased by food services.
The District operates a central kitchen which makes for an optimal situation for farm to school. The fruits are served at all 37 district schools in "offering" bars. There is a different fresh fruit and vegetable each day at the "bar" (except for Monday when cold w.k. canned corn is served.) The fruit or vegetable is a part of the school's hot lunch program, students serve themselves at a 4 foot salad bar.
Hayward Unified also provides nutrition education to students, made possible through a grant from the Nutrition Network. The grant currently funds five elementary schools, one high school and after-school programs throughout the district. The six primary schools have, or are building, school gardens. As part of nutrition education, students harvest vegetables from the garden and make soup. The funds also allow healthy food tastings in the classroom that expose students to even more unknown healthy food options.
Next year eighteen elementary schools, three middle schools, one high school and twenty-one after school programs will be participating in the Hayward Nutritional Learners Community Project. This year the school meals program has been more involved with the Nutrition Network program (HNLCP) serving many of the featured fresh fruits and vegetables in the salad bar. Fresh leaf spinach and grilled summer squash have been among the most successful undertakings.
The District also participates in the Harvest of the Month program. Food Services coordinates with this nutrition education project by serving the same fruit or vegetable in the offering bar.
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