Welcome our Eat Real 2024 cohort!
We are excited to welcome two new California districts and celebrate Eat Real’s official expansion into Alaska, Georgia, Washington, Alabama, and Connecticut—altogether representing 219 schools and 123,504 students! The foodservice teams for these districts are pursuing Eat Real certification as a part of their passionate commitment to putting real food on the table for their students. Their efforts go above and beyond federal minimum requirements to create a delicious, nutritious, and sustainable future for our kids!
Jefcoed
Jefferson County, AL
“We chose to join Eat Real because it aligns with our commitment to promoting health, sustainability and community wellness. We believe it’s possible to change the health of our communities through the meals we serve in our schools.” —Beth Miller, Food Service Director
Follow Jefferson County Schools’ journey on Facebook.
Marietta City Schools
Marietta, GA
“The Eat Real Certification Program provides focus to our continued progress in serving more fresh foods and increasing the number of scratch cooked items we serve to our students on a daily basis.” —Cindy Culver, Director of School Nutrition
Follow Marietta’s journey on Instagram and Facebook.
Coupeville School District
Coupeville, WA
“Coupeville School District has a solid foundation in scratch cooking and farm to school programming, and we are excited to improve our program, and continue to raise community awareness on the potential and importance of healthy school meals.” —Andreas Wurzrainer, Chef/Food Service Director
Follow Coupeville’s journey on Instagram and Facebook.
Middletown Public Schools
Middletown, CT
“At Middletown Public Schools, our mission is to cultivate the brilliance in each student, and we believe that begins with the nourishment they receive every day. By joining the Eat Real Certification process, we are excited to highlight and expand our commitment to providing nutritious meals that fuel both the body and mind. We are dedicated to reducing overly processed foods, lowering added sugars, and emphasizing fresh, wholesome ingredients in our meals. This certification aligns with our values and helps us take another step towards a healthier future for all our students.” —Randall Mel, Director of Food, Nutrition and Wellness Services
Follow Middletown’s journey on Instagram and Facebook.
Anchorage School District
Anchorage, AK
“Joining the Eat Real Certification program was a natural choice for us because it aligns perfectly with our commitment to promoting access to quality meals and sustainable healthy eating habits. The program’s focus on transparency, local sourcing, and nutritional integrity resonates deeply with our values. By being part of this initiative, we can contribute to a healthier future for our students.” —Marci McGill, Senior Director of Student Nutrition
Follow Anchorage’s journey on Instagram and Facebook.
Bartow County School System
Bartow County, GA
“Eat Real Certification aligns with our mission to provide students with healthier, more sustainable meals. By improving the quality and nutritional value of school lunches, we’re not only supporting the well-being of our students but also educating them on the importance of good food choices. This certification helps us ensure that our menus meet the highest standards for health and sustainability, which is essential for fostering a healthier future for our community.” —Jessica Chandler, School Nutrition Specialist
Follow Bartow’s journey on Instagram and Facebook.
Petaluma City Schools
Petaluma, CA
“We’re thrilled to be participating in the Eat Real Certification program as we take a major step forward in transforming our school food program. Our goal is to create a food program that not only nourishes our students with healthy, delicious, whole foods, but also reflects our deep commitment to building a more just and sustainable food system. We believe our food program should reflect our values and help our students develop an appreciation for the transformative role of food in our lives and communities. The Eat Real Certification offers us an incredible opportunity to achieve this vision, providing both expert guidance and the opportunity to collaborate with outstanding school food professionals across the country. There’s truly nothing else like it, and we couldn’t be more excited to start this program.” —Brian Dufour, Director, Food and Nutrition
Follow Petaluma’s journey on Instagram and Facebook.
Fullerton School District
Fullerton, CA
“We’ve decided to join the Eat Real Certification program because we truly believe that real change begins in the cafeteria. By partnering with Eat Real, we at Fullerton aim to positively impact our students, community, and staff by prioritizing real food on the menu. Together, we can inspire healthier choices and create a more vibrant school environment.” —Victor Trejo, Director, Nutrition Services
Follow Fullerton’s journey on Instagram and Facebook.
