Fueling the future one meal at a time

On Aug. 4, Placer Union High School District (PUHSD) Nutrition Services was honored to be invited to the California State Capitol to serve a meal to Assembly Members and Capitol staff as part of "Fueling the Future: Nutrition, Sustainability & Student Success." The event brought together Capitol staff, school nutrition leaders, agricultural organizations and community partners to highlight the vital connection between California agriculture, school meal programs and the health and success of students. PUHSD showcased the creativity and quality of school nutrition through a flavorful Birria-inspired meal, featuring slow-cooked, marinated California beef paired with Mexican street corn salad and seasoned beans. Guests could enjoy the meal in three versatile formats: a fresh salad, a flavorful wrap, or a hearty hot bowl served with rice. The meals reflect the food service program that prepares the same types of food served to the PUHSD students, as well as Colfax and Alta Dutch elementary schools. Foods are made fresh, in house. Bread is delivered fresh every week and never frozen, fresh local fruits and veggies are featured on the menu and they operate with the love and care of each student knowing that for some, these are the highest quality meals they will receive for the day. The menu was developed in partnership with the California Beef Council and California Dairy Council, celebrating California-grown and produced foods while demonstrating how school nutrition programs can transform high-quality agricultural products into nutritious, appealing meals that students want to eat. The Capitol event provided an opportunity for PUHSD Nutrition Services to share our commitment to fresh, scratch-inspired food, culinary innovation, student choice and strong partnerships with California agriculture. Most importantly, it showcased the role school nutrition professionals play in fueling the future - one meal and one student at a time.