Our Schools
For nearly a decade, Hilary and the team have been serving lunch the right way at a school in Topanga, CA. We believe that we have the most nutrient dense school lunch program in the country. Through training lunch leaders, chefs and school nutrition directors at our Training Academy, we have transformed school lunch programs across the nation. Check out all our schools below!
School Lunch Is Served!
We believe that changing the way that students ate at a school in California is the most important thing we have done so far!
A foundation of health!
We all know that kids will grow up and stray away from the nest. However, the lessons we teach them at a young age are ingrained into the DNA of their hearts and minds. That is why we believe it is our responsibility to set them up with a solid foundation of health that they can always fall back on when they need to. These are not merely lessons, these are biological realities that simply are not addressed in the prepackaged world we live in. Establishing a healthy microbiome, building brain function through healthy fats and establishing consistent glucose levels are just some of the basics that our students inherently learn through eating real food.
When you know better, you do better.
As parents and teachers we must stand up and do what we know is fundamentally right in order to give our children all that they need to thrive. Take a look at some of the things that we are doing. Let us help you make similar changes in your school, household or community.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR VALUES HERE
Happy Healthy Chefs = Happy Healthy Kids
Our team of instructors and chefs is made up with people of different nationalities from around the world…Brazilian, Italian, Persian, Korean; as well as Americans from across the country. However, the values that we share across the board are the same. We check our ego at the kitchen door and each bring our unique approach, culture, and history to every plate. Mission is the boss! That mission is to get to the stomachs, hearts, and minds of these kids as soon as possible. Our chefs celebrate food and wellness and feel good themselves. The children quickly do the same, and then bring that home to their family.
"Farmer" to Table
We believe that it is vital for kids to understand where the food they eat comes from. We aren't just talking about the location, we're talking about the people that have dedicated themselves to growing and making the best real food that is out there.
As part of our school lunch program, we invite farmers and business owners to come to our kitchen to help us cook with their products, and to explain to the kids how it was made and how it is different than the processed foods they are bombarded with daily. Students are able to see the care and love that go into these beautiful foods. Most importantly, they get a better understanding as to why they should be eating real food! If you grow or make real food and want to stop by, reach out to us. We'd love to have you!
Seen here is a visit from Alex at AZ Ranch.
A message from Manzanita Founder and Head of School Dr. Paul Astin.
A few words from the man who believed that the students at his school deserved better when it came to the food they were eating...
School Lunches Across The Country
By training schools chefs, lunch leaders and nutrition directors at our Training Academy, we have changed multiple school lunch programs across the country. Take a look at some of them below!
Dripping Springs, TX
Chef Aran is the lunch leader at two schools in Texas, implementing the SŌL lunch program at both. Aran is also an instructor at our Training Academy!
Laguna Beach, CA
Anneliese Schools spans three campuses and is lead by Chef Andrew, who was trained at our academy and went on to send part of his team to be trained too. Andrew is also an instructor at our Training Academy!
Miami, FL
Chef Frederica was trained at our academy and now helps lead the lunch program at Centner Academy in Miami, FL. Her training, experience and Cuban background infuses each meal with health, love and flavor at the school.
Beverly, MA
At Shore Country Day School, Chef Laura leads her team as executive chef and nutrition director. She is also a graduate from our Training Academy.