Eat REAL News

We learn many life skills in school over the 12 years spent there that prepare us for adult life. Outside of the standard subjects like Math, Science, History, English, we learn soft skills like social skills, problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking. However, our education rarely covers nutrition and fueling our bodies – even though students … Read more

Global food production is intrinsically linked to climate change – both under threat from it and as a leading contributor.

Expanding Universal School Meals for All is a massive win for public health and social justice. California is now the first state to provide free meals to all public school students. The final state budget approved by Governor Newsom and passed by the state legislature this week will cover the costs of offering breakfast and … Read more

Climate change is accelerating, and nearly ¼ of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions come from food production. But, not all food production is created equal. Real food that’s grown locally using climate-friendly practices can not only limit the negative impacts of food production but can help regenerate the environment. Eat REAL Certification is a change … Read more

We are proud to announce we have been awarded a competitive $15k grant from climate-friendly food champions, Eat the Change Impact. This grant will support our work in helping schools create more climate-friendly menus. Eat the Change Impact is the foundation of climate-friendly food company Eat the Change. The foundation awards grants to support organizations … Read more

Miguel Villarreal, Eat REAL Board Member and school food visionary, celebrated his retirement after 40 years as a public school Foodservice Director by dedicating a bikeraiser to Eat REAL this weekend. He rode up Mt. Diablo on Sunday, August 1st, with 10 pounds of sugar strapped to his bike – the amount of sugar Eat … Read more

Children need access to nutritious meals so they can learn, thrive, and grow. Unfortunately, this isn’t the reality for millions of families across the country.  The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated hunger and food insecurity while shining a spotlight on the inequalities in our food system – however, it also exemplified the power school meal programs have … Read more

The 2020-2021 school year was unprecedented. We are beyond impressed and inspired by the ability of schools across the nation to adapt and find creative solutions to problems never faced before. From day 1 of shelter-in-place orders and shutdowns, schools jumped into action serving millions of meals 100% free of cost to any child 18 … Read more

Today, California made history with a huge step towards increasing child nutrition access and ending child hunger. Governor Gavin Newsom signed in the new state budget today including funding for permanent free school meals for all K-12 students.  “Today… California! Tomorrow… the nation. Huge congratulations to the massive community of passionate advocates and leaders who … Read more

This week, Eat REAL is celebrating the California Department of Education’s Farm to Summer Celebration Week! Farm to Summer is all about sourcing local foods and teaching kids about agriculture and nutrition. Thank you to all the Summer Food Service Program and Seamless Summer Option operators who facilitate this week of learning and healthful farm-fresh … Read more