Huntington Beach City School District is Eat Real Certified!
Pictured: Huntington Beach high school students with an assortment of baked sweet potato chips.
We are proud to announce the certification of Huntington Beach City School District at the Green Tier! Located in Huntington Beach, California, they serve approximately 4,703 students, bringing a deep commitment to fresh, real ingredients and thoughtful meal preparation to every tray. This certification recognizes the meaningful work the team has put in for their students, excelling in areas like local sourcing, minimal processing, and reducing waste to support student health and the local community.
“[Eat Real’s] program provided us with the tools and support to elevate our school nutrition program — helping us source fresh, real ingredients, reduce waste, and inspire lifelong healthy eating habits for our students. It is an important step in reshaping the way school food is perceived and experienced.”
— Ashlin Connolly, Food Services Director
60% Locally Sourced
Students at Huntington Beach City School District have daily access to impressive fruit and vegetable offerings — 60% locally sourced, 43% from small farms, and 34% organic or regenerative. These efforts bring better ingredients to students while building a stronger, more connected food community.
Pictured: Huntington Beach elementary student choosing a fresh, local fruit from the salad bar.
38% Minimally Processed
Their middle school menu includes 10 scratch-made entrees each week, with nearly 38% of total lunch offerings made with minimal processing. Across 648,738 breakfasts and lunches served each year, that commitment to real ingredients means students are getting meals prepared with care.
As Director Connolly puts it: “When we prioritize transparency in what we serve, we show students that their health and experience truly matter.” That transparency shows up in every scratch-made dish that comes out of the kitchen.
Pictured: Huntington Beach nutrition team prepping broccoli.
Waste Less, Share More
Each week, students are offered an average of six fresh fruit and ten fresh vegetable options — a lineup that supports better mood, focus, and academic performance. Access to fresh produce isn’t a bonus here, it’s a cornerstone of how the Louisville City Schools nutrition team approaches every menu.
Setting a New Standard
Congratulations to Food Services Director Ashlin Connolly and her dedicated team for their hard work and the real difference they are making for every student in Huntington Beach City School District. Their commitment to transparency, local sourcing, and meals made with genuine care is reshaping what school food looks like. This work goes beyond Huntington Beach by showing what is possible when a district commits itself to going above and beyond for its students.
Pictured: Teriyaki chicken and veggie bowls, a student favorite.
