The Sweetwater Union High School District prioritizes the health and wellbeing of each student by ensuring all schools offer fresh, delicious and nutritious menu options.
For more than five years, SUHSD’s Nutrition Services have incorporated Farm to School practices to help schools buy and feature locally grown foods, such as fruits and vegetables, in the cafeteria. Daily menus have expanded to include clean-label foods, fresh ingredients, and more vegetarian and vegan menu options.
The state of California, especially San Diego and central California, is rich with local and organic farms, which helps the District build a stronger relationship with California produce distributers and introduce more nutritious foods to students.
The produce served at SUHSD schools are grown locally, regionally or within the state of California. Locally grown food is sourced within 25 miles of the San Diego County Line, regionally grown food is sourced within 250 miles of the San Diego County line, and California grown food is sourced from within the state.
The Sweetwater district has partnerships with the produce distributors American Produce and Food For Thought. Other locally sourced products come from Greenbellies, California Grown Brown Rice, and Hollandia Milk and Dairy,
In addition to fresh produce, this program includes educational components such as school gardens, farm field trips, and cooking classes.
About the Sweetwater Union High School District
The Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD) is the largest secondary school district in California, with more than 42,000 enrolled students and 32,000 adult learners. The district is headquartered in Chula Vista and operates a total of 29 schools: 14 high schools, 11 middle schools, and 4 adult schools. Located in southern San Diego County, near the Mexican border, the district serves the diverse communities of Imperial Beach, National City, Chula Vista, and San Ysidro. Since 1920, the district has won numerous awards for its innovative programs and commitment to student success.