Our Objective

The mission of the School Food Initiative is to empower school districts in Santa Barbara County to implement and sustain nourishing cook-from-scratch food programs.

Our Vision

• The children of Santa Barbara County make healthy food choices
  throughout their lives.
• School Food Service Departments have trained staff, infrastructure
  and equipment to efficiently cook from scratch.
• School Food Service Departments are fiscally healthy.
• School Food Service Departments support the local food system
  by providing a consistent demand for local produce.
• School Districts value food literacy as a skill that helps students maintain
  good health. School gardens are a valued and expected part of the learning experience.
• Food Service Departments evolve into Food Systems Departments that account
  for the health and environmental impacts of all phases of operation, from
  procurement to waste management.
• Public policies promote school meals as wholesome nourishment and cultural enrichment.
• The School Food Initiative creates a replicable model of school food reform
  to share with other communities.