At Meadowlark Schools in Stockton, we believe that food is more than just fuel—it's a teaching tool, a cultural connector, and an opportunity to develop lifelong healthy habits. Our farm-to-table program creates a direct connection between children and the sources of their food, fostering an appreciation for fresh, nutritious ingredients while building a foundation for healthy eating that will serve them throughout life.
Nurturing Bodies, Minds, and Futures Through Mindful Nutrition
Food choices impact not only children's physical health but also their ability to learn, play, and grow. Our nutritional philosophy stems from our founder's vision of providing children with wholesome, natural foods that support development while creating positive relationships with eating.
Core Principles of Our Approach
- Emphasis on Whole, Natural Foods
When children eat at Meadowlark, they won't find typical "kid food" like chicken nuggets, fish-shaped crackers, or sweet cereals. Instead, our snacks feature:- Fresh fruits and vegetables, often seasonal
- Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread
- Plant-based proteins including beans, lentils, and nuts (when age-appropriate)
- Minimally processed dairy products
- Natural sweeteners used sparingly
- While our school-provided snacks are vegetarian, families are welcome to send non-vegetarian options in lunch boxes if they choose. We respect dietary choices and work with families to accommodate various preferences and needs.
- Food as Education
Our approach integrates food into the curriculum, using meals and snacks as opportunities for learning:- Children help prepare foods when appropriate
- They learn about food origins, growth cycles, and nutritional benefits
- Cooking activities incorporate math, science, and cultural studies
- Conversations about food foster language development and critical thinking
- Respect for Food Diversity
We honor the cultural significance of food and the diverse food traditions represented in our community:- Children learn about foods from various cultures
- We incorporate international recipes that align with our nutritional philosophy
- Families are invited to share traditional recipes and food stories
- We respect dietary choices based on cultural, religious, or ethical considerations
The Meadowlark Farm-to-Table Experience
Our farm-to-table program creates a continuous cycle of learning that connects children directly with the sources of their food.
From Seed to Plate: Growing Our Own
Children at Meadowlark participate in the complete cycle of food production:
Planting and Tending
Children help plant seeds and seedlings in our campus garden beds, learning about plant needs, growth cycles, and sustainable gardening practices. Throughout the growing season, they water, weed, and observe plant development, building scientific observation skills and responsibility.
Harvesting and Preparing
The excitement of harvesting vegetables, herbs, and fruits that they've grown themselves creates powerful connections to fresh foods. Children help gather produce at peak ripeness and participate in washing, preparing, and cooking these ingredients for meals and snacks.
Enjoying and Sharing
Sharing meals made with ingredients they've helped grow creates pride and openness to trying new foods. Children who might hesitate to eat vegetables at home often eagerly taste produce they've nurtured themselves.
Composting and Returning Nutrients
Food scraps are collected and composted, teaching children about decomposition and nutrient cycling. Children help add compost back to the garden, completing the cycle and understanding how food systems work.
Local Sourcing Beyond Our Garden
While our campus gardens provide some ingredients, we supplement with carefully selected sources:
Local Farms and Producers
We partner with local organic farms and food producers in the Stockton area to source fresh ingredients that complement our garden harvests. Children learn about where these additional foods come from through pictures, stories, and occasional farm tours.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
Our participation in local CSA programs brings seasonal variety to our menu while supporting area farmers. Children learn about the diversity of foods grown in our region and the seasonality of different crops.
Future Farm Connection
As we develop our 50-acre farm property near our Hollister campus, we'll increasingly source ingredients from our own Meadowlark Farm School. This working organic farm will eventually supply both our Hollister and Stockton campuses with fresh, organic produce.
The Educational Impact of Our Farm-to-Table Program
Our farm-to-table approach isn't just about nutrition—it's a rich educational framework that supports learning across multiple domains.
Scientific Learning
Children develop understanding of:
- Plant life cycles and growth requirements
- Weather patterns and seasonal changes
- Insect and animal relationships with plants
- Decomposition and nutrient cycling
- Basic chemistry through cooking activities
Mathematical Concepts
Farm-to-table activities naturally incorporate:
- Counting seeds, plants, and harvested items
- Measuring ingredients for recipes
- Understanding concepts of more/less, bigger/smaller
- Categorizing and sorting produce
- Sequencing steps in growing and cooking processes
Literacy Development
Our food program supports literacy through:
- Garden journals where children document observations
- Recipe reading and following
- Food-related storytelling and books
- Vocabulary development around food, cooking, and gardening
- Label reading and environmental print
Social-Emotional Growth
Working with food builds important life skills:
- Patience while waiting for plants to grow
- Responsibility for caring for living things
- Cooperation during group cooking activities
- Willingness to try new experiences
- Pride in contributing to community meals
Central Stockton's Fresh Food Approach
Our Stockton campus is situated in a community that benefits particularly from our food-focused approach. Central Stockton represents a diverse population with varying levels of access to fresh, nutritious foods.
Addressing Food Access
Central Stockton includes areas classified as food deserts, where access to affordable, nutritious food is limited. Our program:
- Introduces children to fresh foods they might not regularly encounter
- Teaches practical skills for preparing simple, nutritious meals
- Provides information to families about local sources of affordable fresh foods
- Shares seasonal recipes that align with our nutritional philosophy
Cultural Inclusivity Through Food
Central Stockton's diverse population is reflected in our approach to food education:
- We incorporate foods and recipes from the cultures represented in our community
- Children learn about global food traditions and diverse agricultural practices
- We acknowledge the cultural significance of food in building identity and community
- Families are invited to share food traditions that can be adapted to our program
Community Connections
Our farm-to-table program extends beyond our campus:
- We connect families with local farmers markets and food resources
- We share information about community gardens in the Central Stockton area
- We host occasional family cooking events to strengthen food-based community connections
- We collaborate with local food justice organizations addressing nutrition access
Our Future Farm School Vision
While our current farm-to-table program focuses on campus gardens and local sourcing, our vision extends to creating deeper agricultural connections through our developing farm property.
The 50-Acre Meadowlark Farm
We're developing a 50-acre property near our Hollister campus into Meadowlark Farm School, a working organic farm that will become an integral part of our educational program:
Organic Farming Operations
The front 20 acres will be dedicated to organic crop production, either managed directly or through partnerships with local farmers. A portion of all produce will be designated for our school programs, creating a direct farm-to-school pipeline.
Animal Husbandry
The back portion of the property will include appropriate farm animals, allowing children to learn about animal care and the role of animals in sustainable agricultural systems.
Educational Integration
As the farm develops, it will provide enhanced learning opportunities:
- Seasonal farm visits for Stockton students
- Virtual farm connections when in-person visits aren't possible
- Farm-based curriculum materials that extend to our Stockton campus
- Special events connecting children with agricultural experiences
From Farm to Both Campuses
While our Stockton campus is approximately two hours from the farm property, we're developing systems to connect our Central Stockton students with the farm experience:
Produce Distribution
Fresh produce from the farm will be regularly delivered to our Stockton campus, allowing children to enjoy ingredients from "their" farm even when they can't visit frequently.
Documentation and Connection
Photos, videos, and stories from the farm will be shared with our Stockton students, helping them feel connected to this extended part of their school community.
Seasonal Farm Visits
Special field trips will be arranged to allow Stockton students to experience the farm directly during key seasonal moments, such as planting, harvest, or animal births.
Nutritional Education for Families
We recognize that lasting food habits develop both at school and at home. Our program includes resources for families to extend our nutritional approach:
Practical Resources
- Seasonal recipes using affordable, accessible ingredients
- Tips for involving children in home cooking
- Information about local sources of fresh foods
- Guidance on introducing new foods to hesitant eaters
Educational Information
- Research on the benefits of whole foods for developing children
- Explanation of children's changing nutritional needs
- Information about common food misconceptions
- Resources about the environmental impact of food choices
Community Connections
- Information about local farmers markets and CSA programs
- Resources for families interested in home gardening
- Community cooking class opportunities
- Food assistance programs in the Central Stockton area
Accommodating Diverse Dietary Needs
We recognize that children come to us with varying dietary requirements and preferences. Our program accommodates these differences:
Medical Considerations
We work with families to develop safe, appropriate meal plans for children with:
- Food allergies and sensitivities
- Medical conditions requiring dietary modifications
- Swallowing or texture concerns
- Other health-related nutritional needs
Cultural and Religious Observances
We respect and accommodate dietary practices related to:
- Religious requirements
- Cultural traditions
- Ethical considerations
- Family food philosophies
Selective Eaters
For children who are selective about foods, we:
- Provide gentle exposure to new foods without pressure
- Offer familiar options alongside new experiences
- Work closely with families to build positive food relationships
- Use food education to increase comfort with diverse foods
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the daily food program include?
The parents provide lunch from home for their child and the school accommodates by heating it and helping serve it. The school provides healthy snacks such as fruits, vegetables or vegetarian based soups each morning and afternoon.
How do you handle food allergies and dietary restrictions?
We take food allergies very seriously and maintain comprehensive protocols to ensure children's safety. We work closely with families to understand specific allergies, establish appropriate accommodations, and train all staff on emergency procedures. For dietary restrictions related to medical, cultural, or philosophical reasons, we collaborate with families to ensure appropriate options are available.
How do you introduce new or unfamiliar foods to children?
We use a gentle, pressure-free approach to food introduction at snack time. Children are invited to explore new foods through all their senses before tasting. We model positive food relationships, offer repeated exposure to new items, and celebrate curiosity rather than requiring consumption. Research published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior shows that children often need 10-15 exposures to a new food before accepting it.
Do children really eat vegetables and other healthy foods at school?
Yes! When children participate in growing, harvesting, and preparing foods, they develop ownership and pride that translates to greater willingness to try new items. Peer modeling also plays a powerful role—seeing friends enjoy foods often encourages hesitant eaters to try them. Our approach focuses on joyful food experiences rather than requiring children to eat specific items.
How can families reinforce your nutritional philosophy at home?
We encourage families to involve children in food shopping, preparation, and cooking at home. Even simple involvement like washing produce or mixing ingredients helps children develop positive food relationships. We provide resources for families interested in extending our approach, including seasonal recipes, shopping tips, and strategies for introducing new foods.
What if my child is a selective eater?
We work with families of selective eaters to gradually expand food acceptance during snack time without creating stress or power struggles. Our approach emphasizes exposure without pressure, respecting children's autonomy while gently expanding their comfort zone. Families bring their own lunches for their children.
Experience Our Farm-to-Table Program
We invite you to learn more about our unique approach to nutrition and food education by scheduling a tour of our Central Stockton campus. The school day can be full of activity and little feet running everywhere, that’s why our tours are hosted after hours. This gives families the perfect opportunity to:
- Walk through each classroom without interruptions
- Learn about our play-based curriculum and educational philosophy
- Ask questions in a calm, relaxed setting
- Hear about our routines, expectations, and the “do’s and don’ts” that make our community thrive
By the end of the tour, families have a clear picture of what makes Meadowlark such a special place for children to learn and grow.
For more information about our overall approach to nutrition, visit our Nutritional Philosophy page or learn about our broader Farm-to-School Vision.