Hayward Unified School District (Farm to School)

Hayward Unified School District has had a Farm to School program for nearly ten years. They currently work with two farm groups: Ripple-Riley-Thomas, a pear, orange, kiwi, grape, and apple grower in Ukiah and Tom White Kiwifruit, a kiwi, apple, and mandarin orange farmer from Chico. Roughly 1/3rd. of the district's fresh produce is purchased from these two growers, a produce company supplies the fresh vegetables and fruits that are not available from the growers. The district has found the fruits purchased from the farm not only more fresh, but also less expensive than those purchased from the produce provider. All the produce is purchased by food services.

The District operates a central kitchen which makes for an optimal situation for farm to school. The fruits are served at all 37 district schools in "offering" bars. There is a different fresh fruit and vegetable each day at the "bar" (except for Monday when cold w.k. canned corn is served.) The fruit or vegetable is a part of the school's hot lunch program, students serve themselves at a 4 foot salad bar.