Cooking with Kids increases connections between family farms and public schools in the Cooking with Kids Farmers in the Schools program. Local farmers are paired with schools, where they participate in regularly scheduled Cooking with Kids classes, sharing their knowledge and passion about growing and eating locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Farmers often provide a "show and tell" for the students, bringing in specific fruits and vegetables they have grown, such as freshly-harvested beets or the branches of an apricot tree. They may demonstrate how to cook the vegetables and fruits, and they support the mission of Cooking with Kids by encouraging students to consider positive food choices.

Participating Farmers
Levi Valdez, Rancho Llam
Matt Romero
David Fresquez, Monte Vista Organic Farm
Richard Belanger, Harmony Farm

Locally Grown Produce in the Classroom
Cooking with Kids purchases locally grown produce for fruit and vegetable tastings and cooking classes whenever possible. Cooking with Kids has worked to form relationships with and support local farmers by purchasing fresh, locally grown tomatoes, carrots, sunflower sprouts, spinach, grapes, apples, and melons. By purchasing locally-grown produce whenever possible, Cooking with Kids supports Farm to School efforts, providing students with fresh, delicious foods and supporting family farms, the local economy, and sustainable agriculture practices.