Food for Thought Ojai

“Expenses e & o insurance 1,556 materials & supplies 8,383 green-healthy prog costs 29,647 garden based prog cost 8,458 harvest of the month prog 9,419 future prog develop 4,782 total 62,245”

“The food for thought program was developed with the help of staff members, board, volunteers and donors to help raise the awareness of the importance of healthy childhood nutritional practices. The organization has developed five (5) inter-related program components with associated curricula that integrates with the california academic standards. The four (4) original compenents continue to be (1) nutrition education, (2) garden based learning, (3) agricultural literacy, and (4) advocating for fresh local seasonal produce in all school meals. The fifth and newest component focuses on minimizing the ecological footprint of the ojai unifoed school district by minizing landfill waste, reducing use of toxic chemicals...all efforts to conserve energy, water, paper and other resources. The organization is now seeing the longer view of their effectiveness on life lessons with the active inclusion of the high school students in program activities along with college choices.”

“All of the elementary along with the local high school are actively participating in garden development and education along with nutrition awareness - making healthy choices. This year's most successful program was the "green and health schools program." 35 environment field studies students at nordhoff high school worked with food for thought staff throughout the year to promote recycling on campus, reinvigorate their fallow school garden, plant and harvest produce for their cafeteria, visit a local farm on 9 different occasions, plant and harvest at the farm for the sc hool meal program and presented at the santa barbara food and wine festival with lexicon of sustainability in april of 2015. This program inspired several high school seniors to explore college majors in environmental studies and others to explore the world through organic farming opportunities. Program serves over 1,000 students, 150 educators and administration along with an ojai population base of over 8,000. The entry into the santa barbara festival program expanded awareness programs to festival attendees - outside of the ojai neighborhoods.”

“Garden based learning: the weekly garden-based learning opportunities in the elementary school gardens is a mainstay of the food for thought program. Each week close to 200 students visit the gardens during recess and additional classes are taught throughout the school year by our garden-based learning team. The gardens have produced seeds for saving and worm composting at several sights. Fresh and healthy garden snacks are a key component of the garden program. Parents are always welcome and encouraged to assist with garden club activities.”

“School food - harvest of the month program is run with volunteers at the three large elementary schools to mormote a county-wide produce choice. One thursday a month approximately 1,000 taste test servings are offered up to students during recess and lots of discussion about locally grown seasonal produce takes place.”

“Future program development efforts are always on going. Board meets on a regular basis. Included this year were continuing education programs for board members.”