Alisal Union School District

Located in Salinas, California, the town known as the “Salad Bowl of the World” it is only fitting that Alisal Union School District would have a true commitment to nutrition in the cafeteria and in the classroom. Under the leadership of the Director of Food Services, Suzanne DuVerrier and in partnership with Community Alliance with Family Farmers, the Alisal Union School District introduced cafeteria salad bars to all 11 schools in the district and installed gardens at nearly half of the district’s schools. Additionally, a pilot Farm to School program has been implemented in two schools, combining the salad bar with farm-fresh produce, nutrition and physical activity education, and garden-based activities. The district has also passed a school food policy mandating that, among other things: fresh, local produce be offered on the school menu when possible; that soda and other beverages of questionable nutritional value not be sold on campus or distributed by teachers; and that teachers should model good nutrition and fitness for their students.