DSUSD Awarded $388,665 to Enhance Student Engagement with Local Agriculture through Farm to School Program

Desert Sands Unified School District is proud to announce it has been awarded $388,665 through the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Farm to School Incubator Grant Program. This grant will enhance the district’s efforts to connect students with the local agricultural community through immersive, hands-on food education activities, both on and off campus.

The funding will allow DSUSD to provide farm-based educational experiences for students of all ages, including elementary, middle, and high school students across 34 school sites. As part of the program, students will participate in farm tours, engage with lesser-known produce varieties of eggs, radishes, dates, figs, carrots, and heirloom tomatoes, and learn directly from local farmers.

"This grant is particularly exciting for us. Our society is removed from farming and how our food is grown,” said Daniel Cappello, Nutrition Services Director. “The grant funds will be used to educate our students on locally grown foods as well as the impact farming has right here in Coachella Valley."

In addition, DSUSD will host mini on-campus farmers’ markets at each school, featuring “Farmer Ted Talks,” where local farmers will share insights into sustainable farming and food production. These activities aim to build a deeper understanding of food systems among students and inspire healthier eating habits that can last a lifetime.

"We are incredibly excited to receive this funding, as it will give our students valuable, hands-on opportunities to connect with local agriculture,” said Kelly May-Vollmar, Superintendent. “This grant allows us to strengthen the connection between our students and the food they eat, while also encouraging healthy, sustainable living."

This funding is part of a larger initiative by the CDFA to support Farm to School programs throughout California. In total, the CDFA has awarded $52.8 million in funding to 195 projects across the state, benefiting nearly 1.65 million students. Since its inception in 2021, the Farm to School Incubator Grant Program has reached 49% of all California students through a total of $86 million invested in 375 projects.

The DSUSD project aligns with California’s commitment to bringing fresh, local foods to school cafeterias while providing students with comprehensive food education. By immersing students in farm experiences and giving them opportunities to engage with local farmers, DSUSD hopes to inspire lifelong healthy eating habits and a greater understanding of sustainable food systems.

For more information about the Farm to School Incubator Grant Program and a full list of grant recipients, please visit the California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program website.