SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 15, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a vibrant collaboration, the Dairy Council of California joined forces with the California Beef Council and California Grown to present Grateful Grazing: A Journey Through California’s Harvest. This immersive educational event was specifically crafted to forge connections between prominent school nutrition leaders and California’s rich agricultural sector. Taking place on November 14, 2024, during the California School Nutrition Association’s 72nd Annual Conference, the event provided a unique platform for attendees to delve into the nutritional advantages and sustainability efforts linked to California’s agricultural food production.
“Grateful Grazing provided an incredible opportunity to connect school nutrition leaders with the agricultural roots of the food served in California school meal programs,” stated Amy DeLisio, CEO of the Dairy Council of California. “This partnership supports not only farm-to-school programming but also the nutritional health and wellness of California’s students.” She emphasized the event’s role in educating school nutrition professionals on sourcing local foods that enhance student meals.
The setting for this distinguished event was the renowned Mulvaney’s B&L in Sacramento, where participants were treated to a thoughtfully curated dining experience. This dining experience featured a seasonal menu meticulously crafted from locally sourced ingredients, showcasing a variety of California Grown fruits, vegetables, and tree nuts. Designed to encourage engagement and knowledge sharing, the evening also included stimulating discussions led by influential figures such as Karen Ross, California Secretary of Agriculture, and Kim Frinzell, Director of the Nutrition Services Division at the California Department of Education.
“California Grown is all about connecting Californians with the people who grow and produce our food. California farmers produce more than 400 specialty crops,” noted Cher Watte, executive director of the Buy California Marketing Agreement/California Grown. “This event allowed us to connect with California school nutrition leaders who are shaping students’ views about the impact and diversity of our vast food system in California as well as their preferences for fruits, vegetables, and other specialty crops.” This initiative highlights the importance of farm-to-school programs in shaping students’ understanding of nutrition.
Approximately 100 dedicated attendees participated, comprising school nutrition directors, chefs, managers, buyers, district registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), and allied partners intertwined with California’s vibrant farm-to-school programming. The overarching aim of the event was to deepen participants’ understanding of local agricultural production and underscore the state’s commitment to nutrition security, sustainable agriculture, and the healthy development of students.
“Events like Grateful Grazing play a vital role in bridging the gap between school nutrition programs and the agricultural community,” expressed Kori Dover, RD, of the California Beef Council. “California’s agriculture industry is a powerhouse, providing healthy, nutritious options that support both sustainability and the growth and wellness of our school-aged children.” This reflects the growing awareness of the essential link between agriculture and school nutrition.
Attendees also had the chance to explore a diverse array of California-grown foods, which included fresh specialty crops as well as wholesome beef and dairy options, reflecting the state’s rich agricultural diversity. Through this experience, the Dairy Council of California and its partners aimed to empower school nutrition professionals to advocate for healthy, sustainable food choices, thereby benefiting the overall health and development of students across California.
About Dairy Council of California
Dairy Council of California is a nutrition organization working together with champions to elevate the health of children and communities through lifelong healthy eating patterns. Focusing on education, advocacy, dairy agricultural literacy, and collaboration, Dairy Council of California advances the health benefits of milk and dairy foods as part of the solution to achieving nutrition security and sustainable food systems. Learn more at DairyCouncilofCA.org.
About the California Beef Council
The California Beef Council (CBC) was established in 1954 to serve as the promotion, research, and education arm of the California beef industry, and is mandated by the California Food and Agricultural Code. The CBC’s mission is to amplify the voice of the California beef industry to strengthen beef demand through innovative promotions, research, and open communication. For more information, visit www.calbeef.org.
About the Beef Checkoff
The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.
About California Grown
California Grown is dedicated to connecting Californians and other consumers in the U.S. with the people who grow and produce their food – it’s really that simple. California leads in sustainable farming practices that benefit the environment, community, economy, and uphold the state’s unique way of life. With a transparent crop input system, California growers meticulously track and report field activities. They cultivate over 400 specialty crops, supported by a diverse agricultural community contributing unique perspectives and skills. Family-owned farms constitute 93% of California’s agricultural landscape, emphasizing local support. Recognizing farmworkers’ contributions, California Farmer & Farmworker Month in October highlights industry pay and protections, among the nation’s highest. The Golden State supplies over 50% of U.S. produce and 80% of its wine while ranking first in sustainable dairy production. Collaborating with tech leaders and university researchers, California growers continuously innovate in production, packing, shipping, and preservation methods. California is always a fresh and flavorful choice, and it doesn’t just happen in Silicon Valley. Discover more at californiagrown.org.
Contact
Alex Vigil, Program Director
916-203-4539
Email: avigil@DairyCouncilofCA.org
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
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What were the main goals of the “Grateful Grazing” event organized by the Dairy Council of California?
**Interview with Amy DeLisio, CEO of the Dairy Council of California, on the Recent “Grateful Grazing” Event**
**Editor:** Good afternoon, Amy! Thank you for joining us. The recent “Grateful Grazing” event seemed to be a significant collaboration between the Dairy Council of California, the California Beef Council, and California Grown. Can you tell us more about its purpose and what you hoped to achieve?
**Amy DeLisio:** Thank you for having me! The main purpose of “Grateful Grazing” was to forge meaningful connections between school nutrition leaders and California’s agricultural sector. We wanted to showcase the nutritional advantages and sustainability efforts involved in local food production. By participating in this event, we aimed to educate school nutrition professionals on sourcing local foods that can enhance meal programs for students.
**Editor:** It sounds like a great initiative. What feedback did you receive from the attendees regarding the importance of local sourcing in school meal programs?
**Amy DeLisio:** The feedback was overwhelmingly positive! Attendees appreciated the opportunity to learn firsthand about the variety of local ingredients available and how essential they are in promoting healthy eating habits among students. Many expressed that connecting with farmers and understanding the agricultural processes really deepens their appreciation and commitment to implementing farm-to-school programs.
**Editor:** Can you share any highlights from the event, particularly about the discussions that took place?
**Amy DeLisio:** Absolutely! One of the standout moments was the discussions led by influential figures like Karen Ross, the California Secretary of Agriculture. Her insights into the agricultural landscape in California really inspired participants. Additionally, Kori Dover from the California Beef Council emphasized the vital role agriculture plays in providing nutritious options that support children’s health. These dialogues really underscored the strong link between our food systems and student wellness.
**Editor:** With about 100 attendees, it seems like this event had a great turnout. How do you envision the impact of “Grateful Grazing” on future school nutrition programs?
**Amy DeLisio:** Our hope is that this event sparks increased collaboration between agricultural producers and school nutrition professionals across California. We want to empower these leaders to advocate for healthy, sustainable food choices in their districts. If we can solidify those relationships, I believe we’ll see significant positive changes in how school meals are planned and served, ultimately benefiting the health of our students.
**Editor:** Thank you, Amy, for sharing your insights. “Grateful Grazing” truly seems like an impactful way to enhance nutrition security among California’s youth. We look forward to seeing the outcomes of this collaboration!
**Amy DeLisio:** Thank you! We’re excited about the future and the potential improvements to school nutrition as a result of this event.
