• The Bus Farm Art Contest Feb. 6—March 9 2012

    Posted by Kimberly Wright at 2/9/2012
    bus farm art contest
     
    San Diego Unified School District’s Farm to School Program is expanding and going on the road with our innovative new Bus Farm, a farm built inside a bus. It is being developed as a living-learning lab that will engage SDUSD students in concepts of sustainable agriculture and nutrition and build the connection between sustainable food production and health for students.  This travelling Bus Farm will become a unique hands-on learning experience for SDUSD students throughout the district.  Securing support for the Bus Farm is an important component for it’s success and Whole Foods Market and Organiks have become early and important partners (see the 5% Day notice below).
     
    We are having an art contest because WE NEED YOUR HELP!!! The Bus Farm is literally on the drawing board. We have the bus and the seats are now removed but we need help to create a vision of what the Bus Farm might look like.  Imagine what would you put inside the bus: plants, dirt, tools, a work table?  How about the outside: would you paint vegetables all over it or leave it yellow like the school bus it used to be? How would you let sunlight in to grow the vegetables?  These are all questions we have too.  Draw your idea of SDUSD’s new Bus Farm and turn it in by March 9, 2012.  Create a “Tag” line that is a short descriptive of the Bus Farm and a one sentence description of it’s benefits to students.  Elements of your drawings will be considered in the actual design of the Bus Farm.  Be creative and have fun!
     
    Contest guidelines:
    • Deadline for receiving entries is March 9, 2012.
    • Open to SDUSD students grades K—12.
    • Artwork should only contain the original work of the student entrant.
    • Artwork can be from 8 1/2” x 11” to 12” x 18”. Two-dimensional only. 
    • Artwork can be in color or black and white.  Any medium is accepted including but not limited to charcoal, colored pencils, watercolor, marker, crayon, computer generated graphics, collage.
    • Artwork will not be accepted electronically or on a CD or DVD.
    • Each work submitted must have the student’s name, school, grade and teacher’s name on the back of the artwork.
    • How to Enter:  Teachers may submit your art work through the school mail but it must reach the Food Services Department by March 9, 2012.  You may also turn it into your school cafeteria or mail it directly to the Food Services Department at 6735 Gifford Way, San Diego, CA 92111.
    Winners
    The Bus Farm’s first stops will be at the winner’s schools!  Artwork will be hung in the new Bus Farm on a rotating basis.  It will also be displayed in your school’s cafeteria and on the Food Services website.  Judging will be done by our Farm to School staff, members of SDUSD’s Art Department and the Marketing Director of Whole Foods.  Judging will take place the week of March 12, 2012.  Winners will be selected in 3 grade categories ( K-3, 4-7, 8-12) and receive a gift basket from Whole Foods along with other selected gifts.
     
    whole foods market

    Whole Foods Market 5% Day to Benefit The Bus Farm
     
    Whole Foods Markets in Hillcrest and La Jolla have named the SDUSD Bus Farm as the recipient of their upcoming 5% Day. The stores will donate 5% of their net sales on Wednesday, March 21st to support the new Bus Farm.  Visit the Bus Farm on that day too and see the winners of the art contest..  More details next month.
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  • Real California Milk Seal Sweepstakes: Rewards for Teachers and Classrooms!

    Posted by Kimberly Wright at 11/18/2011
     
    REAL California Milk Seal

    A partnership between Scholastic Parents Media and the California Milk Advisory Board has created a promotion that not only encourages children to drink milk but helps teachers with school supply gift cards and books for their classroom. 

    The three-month Real California Milk seal collection sweepstakes begins with Scholastic Parents Media sending classroom packets to every elementary classroom.   The packets include posters, send-home materials and return envelopes.  Students and families collect Real California milk seals from the milk and dairy they buy and turn it in to their teachers (butter, milk, cottage cheese, ice cream and yogurt).  Teachers mail seals in supplied envelopes.   Seals from school milk containers do not qualify.  Teachers who submit 100 seals qualify for 25 Scholastic books or a $25 school supply gift card.  Each seal is entered into the sweepstakes drawings for the school.
     
    Sweepstakes drawings will be held in February 2012 to award school prizes.  Approximately $2,000,000 will be awarded to schools in the Southern California region.  Aside from the gift cards and books, prizes include:  
           Grand Prize (3):  $20,000
           Second Prize (3): $10,000
           Third Prize (3): $5,000
           Secondary Prizes (2,595):  $500
     
    The California Milk Advisory Board’s promotional support of this program is on TV, radio, billboards, magazines, in retail stores, through Scholastic Parents Media materials and on social networking sites.  See Real Seal Appeal website for more details.  
     
    SDUSD has approved the distribution of the materials to our teachers through the Scholastic Parents Media.  Participating in the program is voluntary.
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  • November Harvest - Cherry Tomatoes

    Posted by Kimberly Wright at 11/14/2011
    cherry tomatoes
     
    November’s cherry tomatoes come from the Nagata Brothers Farms in Oceanside in northern San Diego County.   California is the nation’s tomato capital growing 95% of processing tomatoes in the U.S. (ketchup, tomato sauce and canned tomatoes) and about 75% of all tomatoes.   There are over 4,000 varieties of tomatoes grown today that vary in size, shape and color. 
     
    The first tomatoes can be traced back to 700 A.D. to the Incas in Peru where they grew wild as cherry-sized berries.   Thomas Jefferson was one of the first Americans to grow tomatoes at his Virginia home as early as 1781.  In 1893 the U.S. Supreme Court declared the tomato a vegetable (although it is technically a fruit) along with cucumbers, squashes, beans and peas.  This was because tariff laws imposed a duty on vegetables but not fruits. 
     
    Tomatoes are a good source of vitamins C and A, a source of vitamin K and potassium and are rich in lycopene.  Lycopene is an antioxidant pigment found in red foods such as tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit.  It helps to keep the immune system healthy.  Lycopene cannot be produced in the body so it can only be obtained by eating lycopene-rich foods. 
     
    Enjoy these juicy cherry tomatoes on the salad bar on Thursdays in November.
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  • Breakfast in the Classroom Featured in New Video

    Posted by Jack Brandais at 9/22/2011

    A new video prepared by the Food Services Department helps train staff and educate parents on the district's popular Breakfast in the Classroom program. Now in more than 50 schools, the Breakfast in the Classroom program has won national awards by providing healthy and nutritious breakfasts to elementary school students every day. 

    Produced this summer at Logan Elementary, students demonstrated their roles and responsibilities, while teacher Irma McCoy talked about the benefits to the classroom and principal Antonio Villar focused on the benefits to the school.

    The video was created in response to requests by teachers for an educational tool about the program. The video is available online at www.sandi.net/food, select the Breakfast in the Classroom video link.

    Nine more elementary schools are slated begin Breakfast in the Classroom this Fall. For more information about Breakfast in the Classroom contact Norma Johnson at njohnson4@sandi.net or 858-627-7308.

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  • Free and Reduced Lunch Policy for 2011-12

    Posted by Jack Brandais at 8/30/2011

    The San Diego Unified School District today announced its policy for providing free and reduced-price meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. The Food Services central office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

    The household size and income criteria identified below will be used to determine eligibility for free, reduced-price (currently there is no charge for reduced-price meals in San Diego Unified School District), or full-price meal benefits (meal prices are $ 1.00 for breakfast, $2.00 for elementary lunch, and $2.50 for secondary lunch). Children from households whose gross income is at or below the levels shown here are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Households who receive CalFresh (also known as SNAP or Food Stamps),  California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), Kinship Guardianship Assistance Payments (Kin-GAP), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits are automatically eligible for free meals regardless of the income of the household in which they reside.

    Application Forms will be distributed to households with a letter informing them of the availability of free and reduced-price meals for enrolled children. Applications are also available at the office in each school.  To apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits, households must complete an application and return it to the school office or mail it to the central Food Services office for processing.  Households may also apply on-line by going to www.sandi.net and selecting the School Meal Info/Application shortcut. To apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits, households must complete an application and return it to the school office, mail it to the central Food Services office for processing, or complete the on-line application.  Applications may be submitted at any time during the school year. The information households provide on the application will be used to determine meal eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by school or program officials.

    Requirements for school officials to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits are as follows: For households receiving CalFresh (also known as SNAP or Food Stamps), CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR benefits – applications need only include the enrolled child(ren)'s name, CalFresh, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR case number, and the signature of an adult household member. For households who do not list a CalFresh CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR case number, the application must include the names of all household members, the gross amount and source of the income received by each household member, and the signature and corresponding last four digits of the adult household members Social Security number. If the household member who signs the application does not have a Social Security number, the household member must check the box indicating on the application that they do not have a Social Security number.

    Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price meal policy, the determining official(s), as designated by the San Diego Unified School District Food Services department, shall review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the eligibility ruling may discuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents may also make a formal request for an appeal hearing of the decision and may do so orally or in writing with the Food Services hearing official. Parents or guardians should contact Food Services for specific information regarding the name of the determining official and/or hearing official for San Diego Unified School District.

    If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact Food Services. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household's income falls at or below the levels shown above.


    Households that receive CalFresh,  CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR benefits may not have to complete an Application for Free or Reduced-Price Meals. Food Service officials will determine eligibility for free meals based on documentation obtained directly from the CalFresh, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR office that a child is a member of a household currently receiving CalFresh or FDPIR benefits or an assistance unit receiving CalWORKs or Kin-GAP benefits. Food Service officials will notify households of their eligibility, but those who do not want their child(ren) to receive free meals must contact Food Services. SNAP, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, and FDPIR households should complete an application if they are not notified of their eligibility by September 2, 2011.

    To find out more about the free and reduced-price meal program, contact Food Services as (858) 627-7328 or on the web at www.sandi.net and select the School Meal Info/Application.

    San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) also participates in the National School Lunch/Breakfast Programs Provision 2 program which is a program that reduces application burdens, simplifies meal counting and claiming procedures, and provides meals at no charge to all students attending schools operating under Provision 2.  In the 2011-2012 school year the following schools/programs will begin the base year of Provision 2; Harriet Tubman Village, Sports Science Academy, Metro Schools, CTEC, Choice, First Avenue Literacy, Thurgood Marshall Community, Youth Day Center, BCA Youth Build, University Community, Metro Tech, Mira Mesa Community, Monarch will begin on the first day of school, and Garfield HS, Hawthorne ES, Nubia Leadership Academy, Nye ES, Rolando Park ES, and Washington ES will begin a delayed implementation on October 3.  The district has 79 other schools participating in Provision 2 where all students are receiving meals at no charge, for a listing of schools please go to www.sandi.net/food.  

    In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.  To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjunction, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC  20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (voice).  Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

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  • Lunch is IN When School is OUT

    Posted by Kimberly Wright at 6/9/2011 8:00:00 AM
    The Summer Fun Café offers a fun day in the park and a free lunch.  That’s what summer is all about. This summer all children 18 and under are invited to come to one of the 23 participating community parks, 20 schools or 13 other locations listed below and enjoy free lunches.  Snacks are provided later in the afternoon.

    The Summer Fun Café (USDA’s Seamless Summer Option) helps children get the nutrition they need to learn, play and grow throughout the summer months when they are out of school.  There is NO enrollment, income qualifications or paperwork involved.  Children benefit nutritionally by receiving complete, wholesome meals, and parents benefit from some help in stretching their food dollars. 
     
    The program will kick off with a free community BBQ on June 22 at Skyline Hills Recreation Center and will feature a nutrition decathlon sponsored by Network for a Healthy California, prizes, a jumper, games, crafts, music by Radio Latina and food giveaways by local food banks. There will also be booths with community care partners offering a wide range of social service and support programs. Don’t miss this fun event.
     
    Summer Fun Café will feature BBQs and Domino’s Pizza days in the parks.  At the BBQs you can take the Power Up Your Summer Challenge by enjoying the many activities available.  Food banks will distribute fresh fruit and vegetables and community partners will once again be on hand to offer information.  See you this summer!
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  • Harvest of the Month for May: Strawberries

    Posted by Kimberly Wright at 5/3/2011 7:00:00 AM

    strawberries

    Farm to School Specialist, Vanessa Zajfen has once again arranged to purchase our Harvest of the Month from San Diego County growers.  Strawberries grow best along the coastal regions of California from Monterey County south to San Diego County and the state supplies 88 percent of the strawberries grown in the U.S. 
     
    You can grow strawberries yourself in a pot on your back porch.  Strawberries like a well-drained soil rich in organic matter.  Add at least 6 hours of sunlight a day and plenty of water and be ready to harvest your own berries in just a few months. 
     
    Juicy, ripe strawberries are a favorite with children and come packed with Vitamin C, fiber and potassium. They also have many essential minerals including calcium and iron.  After washing, eat them raw or put them in a blender with some low fat yogurt and make a smoothie.  Create your own recipe with other fruits and juices.
     
    Enjoy strawberries on your Kid’s Choice Cafe salad bar on Fridays in May. For more information, recipes and even games with strawberries go to  www.calstrawberry.com.
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  • April Cilantro:Sage Mountain & Tierra Miguel Farms

    Posted by Kimberly Wright at 4/25/2011 7:00:00 AM
    This month our cilantro will come from two farms; Sage Mountain Farm and Tierra Miguel Farm. Sage Mountain Farm is a 300 acre ranch in Aguanga, CA, a high desert community of San Diego County just east of Temecula where owner Phil Noble grows organic fruits and vegetables and raises cattle. Tierra Miguel Farm, run by Jonathan Reinbold, is in Pauma Valley just east of Escondido. Jonathan grows organic fruits and vegetables and has just began raising chickens.
     
    Cilantro is the name given to the leaves of the coriander plant (Cariandrum sativum) and both the plant and the seeds are often called coriander. Although cilantro and coriander come from the same plant, their flavors are very different and cannot be substituted for each other. History shows cilantro as far back as 5000B.C. It spread throughout the world during the Roman Empire as the Romans conquered different countries. Cilantro can be grown year-round and California is one of the nation’s largest producers. It is high in Vitamins A and K, beta carotene and lutein. Cilantro has a strong odor and is widely used in Mexican, Caribbean and Asian cooking.
     
    Locally grown cilantro is on the Kid’s Choice Café salad bars on Thursdays in April and on May 5th.
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  • March Harvest of the Month - Broccoli

    Posted by Kimberly Wright at 3/3/2011 3:00:00 PM

    The San Diego Growers are a group of small family farmers working together to increase interest in and demand for local food.  Their farms range in size from 1 to 300 acres.  Local food is becoming broccoli farmersmore popular, but only a few farmers are growing fruits and vegetables for the local market.  Thus the supply of local foods is limited.  When big institutions, such as SDUSD, want to buy local foods we need to work with local farmers to manage the supply.  In an effort to support our community and our farmers and increase the supply of local foods, SDUSD has committed to buying over 1,500 pounds of broccoli a week from the San Diego Growers in March.  Because we promised to buy the broccoli in October, they planted over 4,000 plants just for us in November which will be harvested at the end of February.  We will also prepare the broccoli ourselves and use the broccoli in at least two different lunch recipes; the school salad bar and the broccoli and cheese baked potato.

    Broccoli is one of the most popular and versatile vegetables.  It is eaten raw or cooked and is chock-full of vitamins and minerals.  It is an excellent source of vitamin A, C and K, folate, fiber, Vitamin B6, riboflavin, calcium and potassium.  It is a  plant of the cabbage family, Brassicaceae, formerly known as Cruciferae.  Besides broccoli and cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and kale are also in the family. More than 90 percent of broccoli grown commercially for the US is grown in California.

    Locally grown organic broccoli is on the Kid’s Choice Café and SanDi Coast salad bars on Wednesdays in March.

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  • February is American Heart Month

    Posted by Kimberly Wright at 2/18/2011 11:00:00 AM

    heartAmerican Heart Month is aimed at educating Americans about heart disease and stroke, as well as raising funds for research and education.  Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is the #1 cause of death among Americans.  Obesity rates are at an all-time high and more teens and children are being diagnosed with heart-related diseases; including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. 

    Life’s Simple 7
    The American Heart Association lists seven behaviors and habits that impact your heart and quality of life.  These steps can help add years to your life:
    ♥ Don’t smoke
    ♥ Maintain a healthy weight
    ♥ Engage in regular physical activity
    ♥ Eat a healthy diet
    ♥ Manage blood pressure
    ♥ Take charge of cholesterol 
    ♥ Keep blood sugar, or glucose, at healthy levels

    The good news….you can reduce your risk of heart disease with a healthy diet and lifestyle!   Check out The American Heart Association “Life’s Simple 7” in the box to the right.

    It is never too early for families to begin a heart-healthy lifestyle.  As parents, you can reinforce the importance of staying active and eating healthfully.  You can encourage children to be physically active and model good behavior by being active yourself.  Schedule time to do physical activity together: ride bikes or walk before/after dinner, turn on music and dance, engage in active play or join in a team sport.  Limit TV time to 2 hours per day.  Make fruits and vegetables available; switch to whole grains for breads, cereals, and pasta; and limit the amount of junk food consumed.  Children are never too young to develop healthy habits.  Lifestyle modifications are a proven method to improving your health….start now and start small. Small changes can make a BIG difference!  Visit www.heart.org for more information and tips on leading a healthy lifestyle.

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