The momentum for organic school meals is building across California—and the energy is undeniable. At Conscious Kitchen, we’re proud to be part of this growing movement alongside visionary school leaders, dedicated organic farmers, passionate advocates, and strong partners like the California Department of Education (CDE) and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
We recently co-hosted our second Mission: Possible! Go Organic webinar with CDE, and it was nothing short of inspiring. This wasn’t just a typical virtual session—it was a rallying cry for what’s possible when values align, communities unite, and bold action takes root.
From the fields to the lunch line, this session spotlighted real strategies to help schools integrate fresh, local, organic ingredients—like strawberries at the height of their season—into student meals. We explored sourcing and procurement solutions, shared scratch-cooked recipes kids love, and offered a roadmap for how any district, large or small, can start making organic meals a reality.
One of the highlights of the webinar was hearing from Dr. Janet Nagamine, a physician-turned-farmer at Hikari Farms, who beautifully framed school food as preventative medicine. We also heard firsthand from inspiring school nutrition leaders like Kristin Hilleman (Capistrano USD) and Barbara Jellison (West Contra Costa USD), who shared both the victories and challenges of implementing fresh, organic school food programs on the ground.
This work isn’t theoretical. It’s happening—district by district, meal by meal. And every week, more schools, farmers, and community members are joining the movement. With top-level leadership and vocal support from Superintendent Thurmond, we’re seeing real traction—and building the infrastructure and partnerships to sustain this transformation for years to come. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined the webinar, asked thoughtful questions, and shared your stories. Together, we’re showing that not only is it possible to serve organic meals in public schools—it’s already in motion, and it’s the path forward for healthier kids, stronger communities, and a more resilient food system.