School Food News (Video) 8.28.2

https://youtu.be/JY9RUxX8fvU

This week we are focused on FOOD NEWS. From free food at school to free food at the Farmer's Market, to making the list of America's Healthiest Schools, we have a lot of news to share.

1) Sign up for FREE FOOD, all year!

We’re so happy to be able to offer free food to all kids, every day, all year. We do ask that all families please sign up! California asks us to use this sign-up form to gather a complete picture of who is in our district, and waits for that info to release our full funding for math and reading support, counseling and more. Help your schools by signing up today! 

2) Every Wednesday in September: $5 FREE AT FARMERS MARKET

To help all families get access to local organic produce, Santa Cruz Farmers Markets are offering $5 FREE to spend on fruits and veggies to all students at the Downtown Farmer's Market every Wednesday in September. Check in at the welcome table of the downtown Wednesday Market at Church & Cedar (which runs 12:30 to 5pm) and get $5 tokens for every student in your family! Kids have to be present to get their free $5. And remember, they do offer EBT & Market Match. Learn more here! 

3) We made the list of "AMERICA'S HEALTHIEST SCHOOLS!"

Food access is actually one of the things that have helped get your school named to the 2026 list of America’s Healthiest Schools. The nonprofit Alliance for a Healthier Generation has included all Santa Cruz City Schools in the list it publishes every year. All our schools were recognized for Nutrition and Food Access, School Wellness, Health Services and for tobacco-free programs. Our Middle and High schools have been further recognized for their physical education and health education programs. Learn more here! 

4) Learn how we're serving MORE LOCAL FOOD

https://youtu.be/9MLIEyJmWC8?si=FwyUSiP6fjr84FFN

Our Food Services Director Amy Hedrick-Farr has spent years building the Central Cost Cooperative, a group of more than 20 school districts that bundle spending power to get access to better ingredients in school meals. In fact, it’s not easy for schools to be able to afford anything but pre-packaged mass produced meals to serve in schools. But a way to get around that, and to get better ingredients on plates, is strength in numbers. Learn more here! 

As always, I hope very much you find the time to relax this weekend. Remember you can always email with any questions you have about school!

 

Thank you,

Sam Rolens

Chief of Communication

Santa Cruz City Schools