Dairy Council of California, in partnership with the California Beef Council and California Grown, hosted an educational event called Grateful Grazing: A Journey Through California’s Harvest. The event took place during the California School Nutrition Association’s 72nd Annual Conference in Sacramento and aimed to foster connections between school nutrition leaders and the state’s agricultural community. It provided an opportunity to explore the nutritional benefits and sustainability of California’s food production, ultimately supporting the health and wellness of students.
The event was held at Mulvaney’s B&L, a renowned venue in Sacramento, where attendees enjoyed a seasonal menu composed of locally sourced ingredients, with an emphasis on California Grown fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts. The menu was thoughtfully crafted to reflect the richness and diversity of California’s agricultural offerings, and the evening featured discussions led by influential leaders in the field, including Karen Ross, California Secretary of Agriculture, and Kim Frinzell, Director of the Nutrition Services Division at the California Department of Education.
Amy DeLisio, CEO of Dairy Council of California, emphasized the importance of such events in connecting school nutrition leaders with the origins of the food they serve. This collaboration supports not only farm-to-school programming but also contributes to the nutritional health of California’s students. Cher Watte, executive director of California Grown, highlighted the significance of connecting with school nutrition professionals who influence students’ perceptions of food and help shape their preferences for fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops produced in California.
Approximately 100 participants, including school nutrition directors, chefs, managers, buyers, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), and other key stakeholders in California’s farm-to-school programs, attended the event. The goal was to deepen attendees’ understanding of local agricultural practices and California’s commitment to promoting nutrition security, sustainability, and healthy development for students. These efforts align with the broader objective of ensuring that the state’s agricultural systems can meet the nutritional needs of students while supporting environmentally sustainable practices.
The event also emphasized the diversity of California’s agricultural landscape. Attendees had the chance to experience a variety of locally grown foods, including specialty crops, dairy, and beef. These food items exemplified the state’s agricultural versatility, showcasing products that are essential not only for school meal programs but also for sustainable food systems in California. By fostering partnerships with farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural leaders, the event aimed to inspire school nutrition professionals to advocate for healthy, sustainable food choices that benefit students and the environment.
Kori Dover, a registered dietitian with the California Beef Council, spoke to the importance of these collaborations in bridging the gap between the agriculture and school nutrition sectors. The California agriculture industry, she noted, plays a crucial role in providing nutritious options that support both student health and environmental sustainability.
This immersive event reflected a growing recognition of the critical role school nutrition programs play in shaping students’ health outcomes. By connecting nutrition leaders with the state’s agricultural roots, Grateful Grazing underscored the importance of promoting food systems that are not only nutritious but also sustainable and community-oriented. The partnership between the Dairy Council of California, the California Beef Council, and California Grown serves as a model for continued collaboration between agriculture and education, ensuring that students across the state benefit from healthy meals made with locally sourced ingredients.
Ultimately, Grateful Grazing helped strengthen the link between agriculture and school nutrition, providing valuable insights for professionals who are instrumental in shaping the future of student wellness in California.
