Health Choices in Siskiyou County: Farm to School Initiatives Promote Nutrition and Education

Siskiyou County, nestled in the Superior Region of California, is taking significant strides in promoting healthier food choices and agricultural education for its youth. Through a series of innovative Farm to School projects and tribal initiatives, setting an example for how rural and indigenous communities can leverage local resources to improve nutrition and food literacy among students.

Several organizations, schools, and the Karuk Tribe in Siskiyou County have received substantial grants as part of California’s Farm to School Incubator Grant Program. These projects aim to bring fresh, locally-grown produce to school cafeterias while also educating students about sustainable agriculture, healthy eating habits, and cultural food practices.

Karuk Tribe

The Karuk Tribe has been awarded $349,945.65 to expand their farm-to-school efforts:

• Increase production, distribution, and sales of produce to Tribal Head Start and three local elementary schools
• Support operating costs for food production, harvesting, and packing on the Tribal-run farm
• Pilot minimal processing efforts to increase produce sales
• Develop relationships with school food service managers
• Coordinate sales and distribute produce to schools and childcare programs serving Tribal youth
• Develop and distribute educational materials, including recipe books and produce taste-testing events
• Organize farmer visits and field trips
• Improve internal procedures for long-term farm sustainability, including food safety practices and procurement policies

Homeward Bounty Farm

Homeward Bounty Farm, led by Katherine O’Brien-Mann, has been awarded $284,100 to supply organic food to Butteville Union Elementary School. The project will:

• Expand growing space and increase staff to meet higher produce demand
• Invest in sustainable infrastructure for long-term project viability
• Develop the farm as a “living classroom” for student field trips and tours

Moon Toad Farms

With a grant of $350,000, Moon Toad Farms is set to make significant improvements:

• Transition existing farm site into a perennial garden for berries and spring vegetables
• Add 1.3 acres of growing space using climate-smart and regenerative agriculture practices
• Supply fruits and vegetables to schools in Siskiyou and Trinity Counties
• Host farm days and offer hands-on learning opportunities for teens interested in agriculture and culinary arts

Local school districts are also playing a crucial role in this health-focused movement:

Butteville Union Elementary School District ($200,000 grant):

• Establish partnerships with local family farms
• Construct an on-site greenhouse
• Organize field trips to farms
• Collaborate with farmers for educational programming

Siskiyou Union High School District ($200,000 grant):

• Transform local food sourcing for county schools
• Partner with local farmers to increase fresh produce availability in cafeterias
• Provide hands-on learning about food systems and sustainable agriculture

Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District ($200,000 grant):

• Enhance the Future Farmers of America (FFA) hydroponics and plant science program
• Expand hydroponic and greenhouse programs to sell produce to food services
• Partner with local farms and the Modoc Food Hub

Broader Impact

These initiatives in Siskiyou County are part of a larger statewide effort. Since 2021, California’s Farm to School Incubator Grant Program has:

• Reached 49% of all California students
• Distributed $86 million to 375 projects
• Benefited 2,850,196 students across 269 school districts

The latest round of grants will serve 199 school districts and educational entities, five California Native American tribes, 52 farms, and eight food hubs, reaching a total of 1,650,985 students across the state.

The Farm to School and tribal projects in Siskiyou County represent a significant step towards improving health choices for local students, including those from indigenous communities. By bringing fresh, locally-grown produce into school cafeterias, integrating agricultural education into the curriculum, and incorporating cultural food practices, these initiatives are fostering a generation of youth who are more connected to their food sources, cultural heritage, and more aware of the importance of healthy eating habits. As these initiatives continue to grow and evolve, they have the potential to make a lasting impact on the health, well-being, and cultural awareness of Siskiyou County’s young population, while also supporting local agriculture and preserving traditional food practices.