Coupeville is the first Eat Real Certified district in Washington!
We are incredibly excited to announce the certification of Coupeville School District at the Green Tier — making them the first in the state of Washington to do so! This certification recognizes the district’s tireless efforts to go above and beyond federal and state nutrition standards, excelling in areas such as food education, local sourcing, and minimal processing.
The team is led by District Chef, Andreas Wurzrainer and Food Service Director Laura Luginbill. Andreas brings a chef’s perspective to menu planning, enhancing flavor, and presentation. Laura contributes her expertise as a registered dietician ensuring meals are balanced and nutritious. The duo listens to student feedback, embraces innovation, and continuously elevates the bar of school food.
76% of Breakfast Grains Contain Six Grams or Less of Added Sugar
Breakfast got a health upgrade! With 76% of breakfast grains containing six grams or less of added sugar, kids have the wholesome energy they need for the day.
“I feel like it is important to be mentally at your best and that starts with good food. If you’re mentally healthy, then you can be in class, retain it better, and be a more successful person in life.”
— Coupeville High School Student
78% of the Menu is Minimally Processed
Nearly 8 out of 10 meals are made from minimally processed, whole ingredients that support student health, focus, and long-term growth. The cafeteria classic, pizza, is getting reimagined. Wheat is harvested down the street at Ebey Road Farm and milled at Little Red Hen Bakery to create flour for housemade pizza dough. The cheese and pepperoni pizzas are then hand-assembled on site. This well loved menu item shows just how connected students can be to their food and their community.
Over 30% of the Menu is Locally Sourced
Through the district’s Connected Food Program, students help tend the district’s garden producing student favorites such as cucumber and kale that makes its way right back to their lunches. The garden is managed by the district’s beloved farmer, Farmer Arwen. From harvest-of-the-month tastings to hands-on cooking lessons, kids are learning to appreciate where their food comes from.
The team works closely with local farms and food businesses, strengthening Whidbey Island’s local economy while reducing environmental impact. Dishes like their mussel chowder, made with local Penn Grove mussels, celebrate the flavors of both land and sea that define the community. With proximity to the Cascade Mountains and the unique shape of Penn Cove, the environment allows for a rich mussel growing area right in their backyard.
Heroes with Passion and Heart
Congratulations Coupeville School District! Earning this certification isn’t just a milestone for the community — it’s proof of what’s possible when commitment meets vision!
“There’s a real buzz at this school — it’s clear these kids are on track to do anything they dream of, and that really energizes me. What also energizes me are the hometown heroes behind it all — Chef Andres and Director Laura. They may not wear capes, but they’re feeding and nourishing the kids with so much passion and heart, making every meal so, so, so delicious”
— Eat Real CEO, Nora LaTorre.
