Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Kids Cook Farm-Fresh Foods

An activity guide that links academic content standards to the real world through gardens, nutrition, cooking, recycling, and the environment.

Description

Activities engage teachers and students in grades two through seven in exploring fresh, seasonal, locally grown produce through direct experience. Using tested recipes and farm profiles, Kids Cook Farm-Fresh Food links agriculture and the culinary arts to the core subjects reading, mathematics, social sciences, and geography. This guide also links food and nutrition to the concept of sustainable agriculture, which is a commitment to growing and distributing food in an environmentally sound, economically viable, and socially just manner. Alongside instructional school gardening experiences, this guide helps students to develop a deeper understanding of where food comes from, and how farmers bring life from the land, while students apply math, language, and other core skills.

  • Originator of Resource: Sibella Kraus, Sustainable Agriculture Education, in collaboration with the California Department of Education
  • User of Resources: Teachers
  • Audience: Grades 2–7
  • Languages Offered: English Only
  • Date updated: 2002

Resource

Kids Cook Farm-Fresh Food (PDF; 4MB)

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact the Education and Nutrition Policy Unit by email at Farm2School@cde.ca.gov.

Questions:   Education and Nutrition Policy Unit | 800-952-5609
Last Reviewed: Monday, June 17, 2024
Related Content
Recently Posted in Nutrition
  • Expanded Capital Expenditure Approved List (added 12-May-2026)
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved the California Department of Education’s (CDE) request to expand the Capital Expenditure Approved List. This expansion contains equipment commonly purchased by School Food Authorities (SFAs).
  • USDA Farm to School Grant Informational Webinars (added 12-May-2026)
    School districts may apply for three federal grants that can support farm to school, the Farmers Market Promotion Program, the Local Food Promotion Program, and the Regional Food Systems Partnerships grant.
  • Updated Resources Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act (added 06-May-2026)
    Updated Resources Due to the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025.
  • USDA Grants to Support Farm to School (added 06-May-2026)
    School districts may apply for three federal grants that can support farm to school, the Farmers Market Promotion Program, the Local Food Promotion Program, and the Regional Food Systems Partnerships grant.
  • Award Announcement for 2025 KIT and R&R Grants (added 04-May-2026)
    Grant Award Announcement for 2025 Kitchen Infrastructure and Training (KIT) and Retention and Recruitment (R&R) Grants.

  • Child Nutrition Advisory Council - May 2026 (added 01-May-2026)
    Meeting agenda for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction Child Nutrition Advisory Council (CNAC)
  • Final Rule: Fluid Milk Substitutions (added 30-Apr-2026)
    This management bulletin provides regulatory updates regarding the allowability of accepting medical statements from registered dietitians (RD) as related to Fluid Milk Substitutions in School Nutrition Programs.
  • Modifications to Accommodate Disabilities (added 30-Apr-2026)
    This management bulletin contains information on the requirements related to accommodating children with disabilities.
  • Income Eligibility Scales for School Year 2026–27 (added 24-Apr-2026)
    Information related to Income Eligibility Guidelines for Free and Reduced-price Meals or Free Milk in Child Nutrition Programs.
  • School Lunch Hero Day 2026 (added 24-Apr-2026)
    School Lunch Hero Day presents an opportunity to recognize, celebrate, and thank hardworking professionals who continue to make an extraordinary impact on the lives of students.