Benicia Unified wins $200,000 state grant; district expands scratch-cooking apprenticeship and universal meals
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Summary
Superintendent Damon Wright said Benicia Unified participates in the universal meals program, received a $200,000 California Department of Food and Agriculture grant for a 'scribing' cooking project and is piloting a seven-month Chef Anne apprenticeship through community-college partnerships.
Benicia Unified School District said its food and nutrition services department received a $200,000 grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture to support a scratch-cooking project the district launched this month.
Superintendent Damon Wright credited the food-services staff and singled out Food Services Director Miss Courtney for the department’s work, and said the district participates in the state’s universal meals program so every child has access to breakfast and lunch each school day.
Wright described a seven-month Chef Anne apprenticeship in partnership with community colleges that will train employees to create healthier scratch-cooked choices. The district is also running a “Chef Anne” apprenticeship and an employee development pipeline intended to support healthier menus and reduce reliance on prepackaged meals.
Why it matters: universal meals reduce barriers to student nutrition and can support attendance and learning; the state grant and apprenticeship expand the district’s capacity to prepare meals from scratch and to train staff.
Wright also thanked local businesses and donors — including Valero and Benicia Reed (as mentioned) — for scholarships and community support for students and staff.
Ending: District leaders framed the grant and apprenticeship as investments in student health and staff development that complement academic and facilities investments funded elsewhere.
