Participants in this year’s baseball-themed Food and Wellness Fair had a great time visiting the mini farmers market, learning about school meals, and sampling possible new menu items. (Photos: Suna Kwan & Grant Sapcharoenlert, AUSD Communications Interns )
Article by Natalie Tee Gaither
The AUSD Food & Wellness Fair celebrated its 20th year with a lively baseball theme, bringing together over 200 students, parents, and staff members at Monterey Highlands School. The event featured food sampling, wellness activities, and nutrition education, continuing a tradition that has made a lasting impact on the district’s school menu planning.
Each year, the Food & Wellness Fair offers attendees a chance to sample new items proposed for school menus, rating them to help determine which foods will be featured in upcoming meals. By voting on their favorites, students, families, and staff members played an important role in shaping meal options and partnering with AUSD.
This year’s fair also highlighted the contributions of several Nutrition Advisory Councils (NACs) from across the district. These student-led groups focus on healthy eating, understanding local food sourcing, and promoting wellness within their school communities. In keeping with farm-to-school initiatives, Farmer Teresa from Old Grove Orange Farm joined NAC members to share a selection of locally grown produce in a mini Farmers Market for the attendees, who enjoyed learning about the fresh fruits and vegetables and were excited to take some home to share with their families.
“The 20th anniversary of this event is a major milestone for our entire department and an opportunity to celebrate the importance of nutrition and wellness,” said William Fong, Director of Food and Nutrition Services. “It was incredible to see the community come together again to support our school meals program, build community, and encourage lifelong wellness habits.”
The baseball theme was especially fitting as many attendees arrived dressed in Dodger attire to show support for the event while still celebrating Los Angeles’ recent World Series win.
