Tucson Unified Food Services Department Celebrates National Farm to School Month

October is National Farm to School Month, but the Tucson Unified Food Services Department works year-round to serve students fresh, locally-grown produce. 

Every week, the department acquires 600 pounds of lettuce grown in the Tucson area, and delivers the nutritious bounty to the district's 88 schools, fostering a healthy and sustainable food culture. So far this school year, Food Services has served over 27,000 pounds of local produce! 

At some schools like Ochoa Community School, Garden to Cafeteria events get students involved right from the start – they grow and harvest vegetables in the school garden and then get to enjoy a lunch made from the fruits of their labor.

During National Farm to School Month, school districts are encouraged to honor the important role that farmers, ranchers and fishers play in getting healthy food onto students' lunch trays, as well as celebrating the traditional knowledge of Indigenous and BIPOC communities in stewarding the land for generations to come.  

Using locally grown produce as a foundation, TUSD Food Services continually works to develop new school menus to satisfy the cravings and nutritional needs of students. The department recently conducted "The Traveling Menu Roadshow," where students volunteered as taste testers to decide on new menu options.

The department's team of food and nutrition professionals understand the importance of providing healthy and appetizing meals that contribute to the overall well-being of our student population, and ensure all menus meet state and federal requirements based on the USDA Dietary Guidelines.