Schedule
Join us for the California Farm to School Summit, October 14-15, 2026, in Sacramento County. ABOUT THE SUMMITSet among the gardens and fields of Soil Born Farms, a nationally recognized center for urban agriculture, sustainable food systems, and healthy food education, the Summit will offer inspiring conversations, fresh California-grown food, hands-on experiences, and networking opportunities.
Connect with California’s farm to school community for a vibrant celebration of the people advancing the health of our children, our farms, and our future. Together, we will celebrate California’s leadership, strengthen connections across the state, and build momentum for the future of farm to school.
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Inspiring Conversations
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Hands-On Experiences
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Networking
Summit KickoffWednesday, October 14, 2026
Film Screening
6:00-7:00 PM
The Henry Ford’s Farm to School Lunch Across America: Innovation in America's School Lunchroom
The Crest Theater, 1013 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814
Sponsored by The Henry Ford
Dine in Downtown Sacramento
Welcome to the Farm-to-Fork Capital of America! Explore the best of Sacramento's dining scene through our curated list of local favorites. We are proud to feature restaurants that source their ingredients from the very same farms that feed our students.
Walk-ins welcome (no reservations required)
the summitThursday, October 15, 2026
Registration
8:30 – 9:30 AM
Check-in and Breakfast
morning sessions
Opening Remarks
Farm to School in Policy: California as a Model for the Nation
California is transforming school food, from how it is grown to how it reaches the state’s 5.7 million students. Learn how the nation’s largest farm to school grant program is working alongside investments in universal school meals, kitchen infrastructure, and workforce development to build a stronger school food system.
Farm to School in the Kitchen: From Ultraprocessed to Fresh School Meals
School districts across California are shifting from ultraprocessed foods to freshly-prepared meals featuring more California-grown ingredients. Hear how school nutrition professionals are getting creative and making meaningful change in menus, kitchens, and the student experience.
Lunch
Lunchtime Farm Tours
Afternoon Sessions
Farm to School in the Field: Climate-Smart, California-Grown School Food
Farm to school programs create new markets for California farmers while bringing fresh, locally-grown food to students. Hear how leaders from Yolo to Los Angeles County are connecting small, climate-smart farms with school meal programs.
Farm to School in the Classroom: Hands-on Food Education
When students experience how food is grown and how it reaches the lunch tray, they build awareness of the food system and curiosity to try new foods. Learn how schools are creating educational experiences in the garden, cafeteria, and classroom.
California Food for California Kids® Leadership and Innovation Awards
Celebrate school nutrition leaders who are bringing fresh, California-grown food to students and advancing farm to school across the state. The Center for Ecoliteracy will recognize outstanding leadership and innovation in school food.
Closing
3:30 - Closing Remarks
3:45–5:00 PM Reception and Networking
Sponsored by Sprouts Healthy Communities Foundation
Afternoon Farm Tours
locationSoil Born Farms
Held at Soil Born Farms, a nationally recognized center for the promotion of urban agriculture, sustainable food systems, and healthy food education.
2140 Chase Dr, Rancho Cordova, CA 95670
summit faqsEvent details
Transportation
Parking is available onsite at Soil Born Farms. Rideshare and carpooling are encouraged.
Lodging
Suggested hotels in Downtown/Midtown Sacramento:
Suggested hotel in Rancho Cordova:
Comfort and Attire
The California Farm to School Summit is held on Soil Born Farms, a working agricultural farm and educational center. Please wear sturdy shoes and sun protection. Water bottles and water will be available onsite.
Film Screening, October 14
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Yes, you can choose to attend only the film screening, free of charge. Please email info@cafarmtoschoolsummit.com to register.
Summit Tickets and Payment
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Yes, one buyer can purchase multiple tickets for different attendees using the registration form. Set the number of tickets needed, then proceed to Assign Attendees to provide information for each attendee. The buyer will receive a confirmation email and an invoice attachment. The assigned attendees will not receive a ticket until the week of the event.
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The week of the event, each registered attendee will receive an email with their ticket to bring to registration.
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Yes, you can use your Grant Project Budget for registration and travel. Please contact cafarmtoschool@cdfa.ca.gov for instructions.
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Yes, the California Farm to School Summit is an eligible training topic for 2025 KIT funds. Follow CDE guidelines to use KIT funds to cover registration, travel, and staff time.
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Yes, please email info@cafarmtoschoolsummit.com to arrange reimbursement.
