Hemet Unified School DistrictSuccesses, Challenges and Opportunities

• 24 Schools• 21,157 Students• 75% F&R Eligibility• 4 million

meals/year• 700 square miles• Rich history of

farming, especially citrus

• 50% Hispanic• Many students are

English language learners

Our Schools & Community…

Feeding Children Central Kitchen

Cook chill system Bakery Pizza Department Salads & Subs Warehouse Freezers &

Refrigerators 80% Scratch

Kitchens on Site Ovens Warmers Freezers &

Refrigerators Knives & Cutting

Boards! 30-40% “Speed

Scratch”

Successes Farm to School

Started in 2009 47% of produce

purchased locally Local: <50 miles

from central kitchen

Better quality Lower or same

price Kid approved!

Successes Salad Bars

16 bars donated through SB2S

Currently in 3 schools

Kids, parents and teachers love them!

More Choice Less waste

Successes Healthier US

Schools Challenge All 14 of our

elementary schools won

13 GAoD, 1 Silver Most GAoD in CA 4th most is US!

HHFKAChallenges

Fruits and Vegetables Subgroups Waste Cost Time to Eat

Grains and Proteins Whole Grains Menu Variety Portion Sizes Vegetarian Options

Competitive Foods SB12 & SB965 since 2006 Compliance Issues

Opportunities

At the Local Level… Wellness Policy with language on

nutrition standards & competitive foods Get parents and students involved Market fruits and vegetables Offer nutrition education Get creative with menu design Ask for help! Apply for recognition

State and Federal Level… Mandate longer lunch periods Allow districts to build and finance

Nutrition Centers/Central Kitchens Include nutrition in standardized testing Properly fund school athletics Establish repercussions for the entities

that violate Competetive Food Standards

Do what’s right for kids