Dec. 3—By emphasizing partnerships with community nonprofits and businesses, taking advantage of statewide grants and making good nutrition a financial priority, rural Fort Bragg (Calif.) Unified has continued to provide healthy food and nutrition education to its primarily low-income students, despite budget cuts.
The state Department of Education has recognized Fort Bragg as a model for Northern California under its Stepping Up to the Challenge, Creating A Healthy School Environment program. Pilar Gray, the district’s nutritional services director, does trainings for other small districts that are interested in improving their school meals.