Western Placer is Eat Real Certified!
We are proud to announce the certification of Western Placer Unified School District at the Green Tier! Located east of Sacramento, they serve approximately 8,000 students, transforming the area’s signature local produce into mouthwatering, scratch made menu items. This certification recognizes all the work they have put in for their students excelling in areas like minimal processing, menu variety, and local sourcing to support student health and the local economy.
“Our school food program decided to partner with Eat Real because we wanted to go above and beyond the standards of school food programs.”
-Christina Lawson, Western Placer Food Service Director
78% of Produce Comes from Small to Midsize Farms
Western Placer is making major strides in building a strong local food system. 78% of the district’s fresh produce comes from small to midsize farms, supported heavily through their partnership with Spork Foodhub. In total, 24% of all menu items are sourced from local farmers, and 16% of sourcing comes from certified organic producers.
These efforts not only bring fresher ingredients to students — they also invest directly into their community.
“We have introduced seasonal menus that highlight flavor profiles and recipes aligned with what is growing locally at the time,” says Christina. “We have also created new communication channels with families, students, and the community so they know what is on our menu and where their food comes from.”
44% of the Menu is Minimally Processed
Across all grades, 44% of breakfast and lunch menu components are made using minimally processed ingredients, supporting healthier choices for students. The district takes pride in the ingredients it selects and the care that goes into its housemade dishes — take their humble yet delicious cheddar grilled cheese for example.
Once a premade item reheated in its plastic packaging, Western Placer’s reimagined grilled cheese is now crafted in-house using just three simple California sourced ingredients: butter, Dos Pisanos bread, and Rumino Cheese Co. grass-fed cheddar.
Over 12 Unique Entree Options
Students can choose from 12 different entrees in elementary schools and 17 in middle and high schools each week. This variety ensures that students can explore different flavors while finding meals they love.
Students also get to participate in the district’s annual taste test, a beloved tradition that the team takes pride in. This hands-on experience is crucial for the team’s ability to innovate and create meals that reflect student taste.
On any given day, visitors can walk into the district’s kitchens and see staff preparing favorites like chile verde nachos, blueberry coffee cake, and elote salad, highlighting the many options students have to choose from.
An Achievement That Goes Beyond the Cafeteria
Congratulations to the team at Western Placer for their dedication, hard work, and the meaningful strides they have made in creating a healthier, more nourishing future. Their commitment to real food and thoughtful menu design is making a lasting impact for every student in their district. This work goes beyond the students of Western Placer as it shows what is possible in school food!
