Celebrating Walnut Creek School District’s Eat Real Gold Certification!
We are thrilled to announce that Walnut Creek School District (WCSD) has achieved Eat Real Gold Certification—making it the first district in the nation to reach this remarkable milestone! This accomplishment reflects their unwavering commitment to providing students with nutritious, diverse, and planet-sustaining meals that are crafted from high-quality, scratch-cooked ingredients. We are immensely proud of WCSD’s Child Nutrition team, as this certification symbolizes a deep commitment to their students’ health and inspires growing generations to cultivate a love for real food.
Walnut Creek joined Eat Real as part of our second cohort in 2019. Following their initial assessment in May 2020, WCSD achieved Eat Real Certification at the Silver level just three years later in May 2023. Since then, they have continued to transform their menu to prioritize minimal processing and sustainable sourcing.
69% minimally processed ingredients
A remarkable 69% of WCSD’s menu items are now prepared using minimally processed ingredients. This includes everything from scratch-made sauces like tzatziki and salsa to wholesome grains such as brown rice and bulgar.
Buffalo tofu bites served with minimally processed ranch dressing.
150% increase in responsible proteins
WCSD has taken a giant leap forward by increasing their responsible proteins score by 150%! This means that the proteins they serve—like local beef, animal-welfare certified hot dogs, and organic cheeses—are not only delicious but also sourced with care. Over 50% of their animal-based menu items now meet at least one sustainable sourcing label claim, ensuring their students receive the best quality available.
Sustainably sourced Huli Huli chicken and cucumber salad made with locally sourced cucumbers.
Up to 12 lbs of sugar removed per student
An impressive 12 pounds of added sugar per student was removed from school breakfasts alone. Their menus prioritize unflavored milk, fresh fruits, and low-sugar, scratch-made baked goods, with no item containing more than 9 grams of added sugar per serving.
Low-sugar, scratch-made banana bread.
66% sustainably sourced produce
Commitment to sustainability shines through as 66% of all produce served comes from local farms. Seasonal offerings are highlighted on WCSD’s menus, fostering a direct connection between their students and the local agricultural community.
123% increase in meal participation
In the 2023-2024 school year, WCSD served over 143,000 breakfasts and 338,000 lunches, with breakfast participation increasing by 123%.
Sustainably sourced meatloaf with whole grain dirty orzo.
A Real Team Effort
The Lunch Experience Task Force, consisting of parents and students, sparked WCSD’s Eat Real Certification journey in 2019, advocating for a cafeteria culture centered around student well-being. With universal meals in California and the implementation of a brunch program, meal participation has surged, reinforcing the importance of nutritious meals in their students’ daily lives.
Join us in congratulating Walnut Creek School District on this monumental achievement!
“One of our proudest accomplishments is seeing the gradual shift in students’ preferences toward the fresh, scratch-cooked meals we prepare.”
Rebecca Steffler, WCSD’s Child Nutrition Services Supervisor
About Eat Real
Eat Real nourishes the future of American school children through their award-winning K-12 certification program. District food service leaders are provided both the framework and support they need to make their school menus more delicious, nutritious and planet-sustaining. To achieve Eat Real certification, a district must meet a set of minimum requirements and earn a score of at least 60% to be green tier certified, based on an assessment against the 10 Eat Real Standards.
