Farm to School programs bring fresh, local foods and nutrition education to our students!
East Stanislaus Resource Conservation District works to bridge the gap between farmers, schools and communities. We work with several Stanislaus County agencies and organizations to provide nutrition education, support to Food Service Directors and growers of local produce, and cooking lessons to students. We also work to improve local and healthy food access through our Farm to Pantry Program. Check out some of our programs below, especially our Farm to School Toolkit available for FREE online!
Jr Chef Program
Jr Chef started in 2016 as a way to introduce our community’s children to the joys of cooking fresh, nutritious meals while cultivating healthy habits and a passion for culinary skills that will last a lifetime!
ESRCD offers classes at farmers markets, and after school programs. We partner with the Modesto Certified Farmers Market, Stanislaus County Health Services Agency and Office of Education, the University of California Cooperative Extension, and the Regional Food and Nutrition Network.
This program is supported by the US Department of Agriculture, and ongoing support from generous community donors. Want to help us reach more kids? Donate here.
Want Jr. Chef at your school or organization? Join the wait list here!
Program Contact: Meriam Jacobs at education@eaststanrcd.org
Regional Food & Nutrition Program
The Regional Food & Nutrition Network (RFNN) is a joint effort of partners working collaboratively to coordinate Farm to Community efforts throughout Merced & Stanislaus Counties.
Farm to Community programs empower the public to make informed food choices that strengthen the local economy and benefit public health and the environment.
Our vision is to support sustainable food systems. We plan to accomplish this by being true to our mission to increase knowledge of and access to fresh, healthy and local foods.
Funding Source: This program is supported by community partners along with the ESRCD and HSA and ongoing support from generous community donors.
Program Contact: Meriam Jacobs education@eaststanrcd.org or visit the RFNN website www.eatfreshbuylocal.org
Farm to School Toolkit
The Farm to School Toolkit was created with help from our network of programs, services, and partners all dedicated to bringing more locally grown produce to schools in Stanislaus County and to educate our youth about the bounty of food grown right here in the Central Valley. Whether you are a Farmer, Food Service Professional, Educator, or Administrator, our toolkit will help you make the connections you need to provide local food to Stanislaus County youth.
Click the link below to visit our Farm to School Toolkit page for resources, programs, and contacts to begin forming your local food connections!