WELCOM TOS'COOL FOOD

What did you eat for lunch today?

If you are a student in the United States, your answer is likely “Chicken nuggets, french fries, and chocolate milk.” Today, the average student’s lunch tray is filled with pre-packaged, highly processed foods that were prepared thousands of miles away from their school, frozen, and then reheated on-site. If the school has a salad bar, it is likely filled with iceberg lettuce and canned vegetables. School meals in America have certainly seen better days.

Why do school meals matter?

Our nation’s children have not been eating well. One third of all children born after 2000 can expect to live a shorter life than that of their parents due to diet-related illness. Over-consumption of foods that are laden with sugar and fat makes focusing difficult during class time. Simply stated, unhealthy food can lead to both immediate and long term health complications and, ultimately, premature death.

What can we do to change the way that children eat?

We send our children to school with the hope that each day, they will gain the skills needed to become active members in our society. School is a place of learning, not only from books but from experience and exposure. In this sense, we are teaching children how to eat for the rest of their lives through the meals that we serve them during their school day. With this in mind, the s’Cool Food Initiative works to empower school districts in Santa Barbara County to implement and sustain nourishing cook-from-scratch food programs so that our children have access to the healthy food that they deserve.

Latest News

Backyard Harvest

In Santa Barbara, the perfect climate and rich soil provide a natural abundance of fruits, vegetables, and other edible delights. However, this bounty often exceeds what many households can...

|Sep 28, 2024

Smoothies

Smoothies have become a popular go-to for health-conscious individuals and food lovers alike. These delicious beverages offer the perfect balance of taste, convenience, and nutrition. Whether...

|Aug 28, 2012

the miracles of the immersion blender

If there’s one tool that can revolutionize your cooking routine, it’s the immersion blender. Compact, versatile, and incredibly efficient, this handheld device has become a favorite among home...

|Aug 11, 2012

Better School Food

In recent years, the link between nutrition and children's well-being has gained increasing attention. Recognizing this vital connection, Better School Food has embarked on a mission to raise...

|Jul 1, 2012

Asparagus : A stalk-Umentery

For over thirty years, Oceana County, Michigan, has proudly held the title of the "Asparagus Capital of the World." This small, agricultural community thrives on its connection to the land,...

|Jun 15, 2012

Animaniacsc- ” Be Careful What You Eat “

Have you ever picked up a dessert at the store and tried to read the ingredients list, only to find yourself stumped by strange, hard-to-pronounce words? A recent animated and lighthearted...

|Jun 15, 2012

Fun Rice bowls

Rice bowls are an incredibly versatile and fun way to enjoy a meal, combining simplicity with endless possibilities for creativity. Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, a quick dinner, or...

|Jun 15, 2012

Homemade – bake items from scratch

In a world filled with pre-packaged, store-bought options, there’s something truly magical about baking from scratch. The process of combining simple ingredients to create something deliciously...

|Jun 12, 2012

Is Junk Food Really Cheaper

There’s a common belief that eating healthy is more expensive than opting for fast food, but food writer and advocate Mark Bittman is here to challenge that assumption. In a straightforward and...

|Sep 24, 2011

American Farmland Trus

The American Farmland Trust (AFT) is dedicated to safeguarding one of the most valuable resources on earth: farmland. As the nation faces increasing threats to agricultural land from urban...

|Jun 17, 2011

An Evaluation Of The School Lunch Initiative

In a remarkable effort to transform the way young people perceive and interact with food, the School Lunch Initiative emerged as a collaboration between the Chez Panisse Foundation, the Center...

|Sep 15, 2010

To Fat to Fight

In a powerful display of concern for the future of our youth, over 100 retired generals and admirals are uniting to urge Congress to reauthorize the Child Nutrition Act. Their call to action...

|Apr 8, 2010

Healtier Student are Betters Learners

A recent study underscores the significant impact that breakfast has on a student's ability to learn, shedding light on its multifaceted benefits for both education and health. As schools strive...

|Mar 1, 2010

OUR TEAM

Pamela Lee

Pamela Lee

[dipl_breadcrumb breadcrumb_layout="layout2" separator_type="icon_separator" separator_color="#000000" use_home_link_custom_text="off" _builder_version="4.19.0" _module_preset="default" text_font="|300|||||||" text_text_color="#000000"...

Kate Adamick

Kate Adamick

[dipl_breadcrumb breadcrumb_layout="layout2" separator_type="icon_separator" separator_color="#000000" use_home_link_custom_text="off" _builder_version="4.19.0" _module_preset="default" text_font="|300|||||||" text_text_color="#000000"...

PHOTO GALLEY

Jr. Chef Day

Jr. Chef Day

Jr. Chef Day turns entire schools of students into productive cooks and happy eaters!  

read more
Carpinteria High School Organic Farm

Carpinteria High School Organic Farm

Headed by Agricultural Fellow Bill Palmisano and Farm Apprentice Adam Camadella, the farm produces a bounty of fresh produce. With the help of students, crops such as sugar snap peas, spinach, kale, cherimoya, and avocados, are flourishing. And now, a word from Bill:...

read more
Iv Healthy Dinner

Iv Healthy Dinner

Creating an IV healthy dinner doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on meals that combine lean proteins, whole grains, and colorful vegetables to fuel your body. A balanced meal could include grilled chicken with quinoa and roasted veggies, or a baked salmon fillet...

read more
School Gardens

School Gardens

s'Cool Gardens in partnership with Santa Barbara City College's Center for Sustainability.

read more