Upland one of just 3 districts in CA to win nutrition grant

The Upland Unified School District (UUSD) has been awarded a prestigious Federal Farm to School grant totaling more than $87,000 from the United States Department of Agriculture.

Already nationally recognized for its commitment to food and nutrition services, UUSD earned the highest award among the three school districts in California to receive the Farm to School grant this year.

The money will help the District implement a teaching garden at all 14 school sites and expand its own Farm to School program. A wellness champion at each school will lead garden club activities with students. Garden produce will be harvested and featured on the salad bar, as part of the entrée, in the cooking club, or in a school-wide taste test. UUSD will provide training for individuals from its Farm to School Advisory Council and expand its current selection of locally sourced foods.

“This funding will go a long way toward re-affirming our district’s commitment to the health and well-being of every single student every single day,” said Dr. Nancy Kelly, UUSD Superintendent. “Ksenia’s team has done an incredible job of making healthy eating a priority on all of our campuses, while raising awareness throughout the community. The lessons learned in the classrooms are positively impacting entire families.”

The District’s nutrition and wellness efforts have been supported by a number of community stakeholders, including the Scheu Family YMCA, businessman Randall Lewis, HealthCorps, colleges and universities, and San Antonio Regional Hospital.