Conscious Kitchen is a program of Turning Green, a student- led global movement advocating for climate justice, environmental sustainability, and public health
In partnership with the Sausalito Marin City School District, Executive Chef Justin Everett formerly of Cavallo Point Lodge, and Good Earth Natural Food, Conscious Kitchen launched its first pilot school in 2013 at Bayside MLK Academy in Marin City. This unincorporated, low-income area is nestled in one of the most affluent counties in the United States. Although Marin County is teaming with organic farms and ethical food purveyors, Marin City and its schools are in a food-insecure neighborhood, where more than 95% of Marin City students qualify for free-and-reduced government-subsidized school meals.
In 2015, Conscious Kitchen expanded to its second site, Willow Creek Academy, (formerly) a charter school in Sausalito, forming the nation’s first 100% organic school district. The schools are now one, and operate a self-sustaining Conscious Kitchen food program.
Conscious Kitchen is a systems-change initiative reimagining how public schools source and serve food. We work alongside school districts, organic farmers, food makers, and communities to bring fresh, local, organic meals to students while helping build a healthier and more resilient food system,
Every school meal is an opportunity to nourish children, support farmers, strengthen local economies, and care for the planet. By shifting school food toward fresh and organic ingredients, we can positively impact student health, climate resilience, and the future of agriculture.
Organic agriculture protects soil health, biodiversity, water systems, and farmworker communities by reducing exposure to harmful synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Choosing organic food in schools is an investment in both human and environmental well-being.
We collaborate with school food leaders, farmers, ranchers, distributors, chefs, educators, nonprofits, and mission-aligned organizations to help create scalable and lasting farm-to-school solutions
Our work goes beyond a single program or product. We focus on transforming the systems behind school food (e.g., procurement, sourcing, partnerships, and infrastructure) so schools can more easily access and serve fresh, organic meals at scale.
School food systems influence millions of meals every day. When institutional purchasing is utilized to support local and organic food, we help reduce harmful chemicals, support healthier soils, strengthen biodiversity, shorten supply chains, and invest in farming practices that are better for people and the environment.
Nutritious meals help students feel more energized, focused, and ready to learn. Beyond the cafeteria, this work also helps students better understand where food comes from and how their choices can shape the health of their communities and the planet for the rest of their lives.
Conscious Kitchen helps create reliable and meaningful market opportunities for organic and regenerative farmers. By connecting farms directly with schools, we help strengthen regional food economies and support producers who are growing food with care for both people and the land.
Yes. One of the most exciting aspects of this work is that the infrastructure already exists. Schools serve billions of meals each year, and by transforming how food is purchased and sourced within existing systems, this model has the potential to create impact at an extraordinary scale.
There are many ways to be part of this movement, and we look forward to connecting with you.
School Food Leaders:
Reach out to share more about your district — including district size, procurement needs, and the kind of support you’re looking for. Whether you’re just beginning to explore local organic purchasing or expanding an existing program, we’re excited to connect.
Farmers & Producers:
We’re always looking to build relationships with values-aligned organic growers and food producers. Let us know more about your farm or business, including acreage, crops or products, seasonal availability, certifications, and pricing.
Community Partners:
If your organization’s work aligns with school food systems, climate, agriculture, youth wellness, or community resilience, we’re interested to learn more about your initiatives and explore opportunities to collaborate.
Volunteers & Supporters:
You can support our work by volunteering at events, helping spread awareness, making introductions, sharing resources, or contributing to help expand access to fresh, local, organic food in schools. Every connection and contribution helps strengthen this movement.