The Jr. Chef Program introduces Elementary, Junior High, and High School students to the joy of cooking with fresh, local ingredients while building practical life skills in a fun, hands-on, and safe environment. Developed in partnership with the Modesto Certified Farmers’ Market, the program brings professional Chef instruction directly to school campuses and after-school programs. Students learn basic kitchen safety, knife skills, simple cooking techniques, and nutrition concepts while preparing seasonal recipes using locally sourced produce. Each cohort includes four interactive cooking sessions, with all equipment, ingredients, and supplies provided by ESRCD. Through guided lessons and teamwork in the kitchen, Jr. Chef helps students build confidence, creativity, and a deeper connection to healthy eating and their local farming community.

The Jr. Farmer Program introduces students to the fundamentals of growing food through hands-on, garden-based learning hosted on school campuses. Students plant and care for their own vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers while learning why soil health matters and how food moves from seed to harvest. Over four engaging sessions, students explore seasonal growing, composting, plant care, and the basics of agriculture through guided, hands-on activities led by ESRCD staff. The program connects classroom learning to real-world growing skills and local food systems, reinforcing the full cycle of food from planting to harvest. Students harvest what they have grown to take home and share with their families, building pride in their work and a stronger connection to their local farming community.

Healthy Gardens supports school garden programs by helping maintain, improve, and sustain garden spaces while providing nutrition and garden education for students and families. The program includes seasonal garden clean-ups, planting, and ongoing care to keep gardens productive and engaging throughout the school year. Healthy Gardens also delivers hands-on learning activities and family-focused workshops that connect garden spaces to healthy food choices and everyday life. Through partnerships with schools, community organizations, and student interns, the program builds long-term garden sustainability and helps ensure school gardens remain active learning environments that support student wellbeing and community connection.