Hanford Unified School District has garnered national attention for its innovative “Farm to School” program, which has revolutionized school nutrition while providing valuable agricultural education to students. The program, which celebrated its first anniversary today, has transformed unused school grounds into thriving organic farms.

Students from elementary to high school levels participate in planting, maintaining, and harvesting crops as part of their science and vocational education. The produce is then used in school cafeterias, significantly improving the nutritional quality of school meals while reducing food costs and carbon footprint.

Program director Lisa Chavez highlighted the multiple benefits: “Not only are we providing fresher, healthier meals to our students, but we’re also teaching them valuable skills in sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship. It’s a win-win for education and nutrition.”

The success of the program has inspired a community-wide interest in sustainable farming. The school district now offers evening classes for adults on organic gardening and has partnered with local restaurants to supply excess produce, creating a new revenue stream for educational programs.

As concerns about food security and sustainability continue to grow, Hanford’s “Farm to School” program serves as a model for integrating practical, environmentally conscious education into school curricula nationwide.