CDE Nutrition

How to Picnic: Pack a smile, assorted CA fresh foods, add a dash of sunshine, and head outdoors! Now you’re ready for this year’s Farm to Summer Celebration Week! Participating agencies can earn a certificate, a highlight on the CDE website, and during our Townhall meeting!

Take the first step to join Farm to Summer Celebration Week happening June 17–21, 2024. Complete the five-minute Pre-survey and get ready to host a picnic!: surveys3.cde.ca.gov/go/f2summerwee…

Hello Summer Program Operators! There’s still time to join the Farm to Summer Celebration Week happening June 17–21, 2024. This year’s theme is “Let’s Have a Picnic! To learn more visit: cde.ca.gov/LS/nu/f2summer…

Celebrate Raisin Day! Sweet and tasty, California raisins are a delightful addition to oatmeal, muffins, cookies, and trail mix! And of course, they’re great on their own. Spread a little box of sunshine today.

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, join us on May 1 for Move Your Body, Calm Your Mind Day at the State Capitol! Celebrate physical fitness and mental well-being. The event is free! Register: bit.ly/MYBCYMDay

School Lunch Hero Day is just around the corner! We can’t wait to see all the creative ways you recognize the hard work and dedication of school food professionals in your community! #SchoolLunchHeroDay

The National Picnic Day is coming up next week on April 23rd. Let's celebrate with a picnic-themed menu! Create a fun picnic atmosphere in the cafeteria to make mealtime memorable! We want to encourage students to relax and enjoy nutritious meals in a welcoming environment.

Celebrate the Day of the Mushroom in schools with flavorful and nutritious menu options! Incorporate mushrooms into dishes like veggie-packed pasta, hearty soups, or savory stir-fries. Let's showcase the versatility of mushrooms and encourage healthy eating habits!

Happy International Carrot Day! Help your students crunch into the goodness of this versatile vegetable. From salads to soups and sides, carrots add color and flavor to any dish. Share your student’s favorite carrot dishes with us!

It’s time to celebrate a classic combo on National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day! Like school meals and students, these two are made to stick together! Be sure to include a nut-free option too!

Rise and shine with a healthy school breakfast! Today marks the beginning of National School Breakfast Week, where we are recognizing the impact of a nutritious morning meal on student success. California schools, you're making a difference! #NSBW24

Banana bread and muffins are a favorite on-the-go breakfast for busy students. Many California schools make their muffins from scratch! Mmmm there’s nothing like the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread. National Banana Bread Day! #BananaBreadDay #ScratchCooking

In honor of Black History Month & acknowledgment of the struggles & triumphs unique to Black culture, the Nutrition Services Division invites schools across the state to celebrate the rich diversity of flavors & culinary traditions. Share your traditional recipes & dishes.

Join us in promoting kindness through healthy habits! As we participate in The Great Kindness Challenge, let's encourage positive behaviors, empathy, and wellness-focused education in our schools. Small acts of kindness can inspire a culture of health and positivity!

Embracing Gluten-Free Day today. We stand for inclusivity in school nutrition. Schools statewide support students with gluten allergies by providing gluten-free choices and fostering a safe and positive dining environment for all!

As we bid farewell to 2023, we send heartfelt gratitude to school communities for a fantastic start to year two of Universal Meals! Here's to welcoming 2024 with quality, nutritious school meals! May the year ahead continue to be filled with endless possibilities! 🎆✨

Start your day right with breakfast! Celebrate National Have a Bagel Day by choosing a small, whole-grain bagel, topped with hummus and veggies to support your well-being and energize your day! #NationalHaveABagelDay🥯🌿

As the Native American Heritage Month ends, we are reminded to continue our gratitude for Indigenous cultures, traditions, and nourishing foods and carry forward appreciation for their connection to the land, nutritional wisdom, heritage, and diversity they've shared with us.

California Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month is drawing to a close. We've celebrated the unique flavors and cultural richness of the Sikh community's cuisine. Let's continue to nurture this unity and culinary fusion, embracing diversity in our meals.

Gratitude is the secret ingredient of a meaningful Thanksgiving feast. This year we're thankful for the amazing school nutrition teams, parents, and communities that support the health and well-being of our students. 🙌🏫 Have a fantastic Thanksgiving, California! 🦃🍂