Conscious Kitchen
Five guiding terms form the heart of this program; Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal, Non-GMO school meals.
MISSION
The Conscious Kitchen is dedicated to a systemic transformation of school dining, the health and improved life outcomes of our children, and to a thriving future for our planet.
The Conscious Kitchen partners with schools to shift the paradigm around food service, based on five foundational terms: fresh, local, organic, seasonal, non-GMO (FLOSN). These terms form the heart of this groundbreaking program and define an unwavering commitment to the long term health of children, prioritizing ethically sourced and organically grown food. The Conscious Kitchen successfully breaks the cycle of unhealthy, pre-packaged, processed, heat and serve foods, transitioning to meals made with scratch-cooked ingredients purchased within USDA budgets and far exceeding nutritional guidelines.
WHAT SETS US APART
THE CONSCIOUS KITCHEN PROGRAM IS UNIQUE AND UNPRECEDENTED
FLOSN criteria for all food
Strong commitment to and education around zero waste
Purchase within USDA budget and exceed nutritional guidelines
Daily scratch-cooked meals from an on-site kitchen
Dedicated head chef and staff
Kitchens partner with local community chef
Partnerships with organic farmers and purveyors
Broad based community involvement
Leadership skills through TCK Ambassadors Program
Food literacy through Garden and Nutrition Curriculum
IMPACT
In August 2015, the Sausalito Marin City School District became the first district in the country to offer non-GMO, organic school lunches to its students. The program is motivated to expand to encompass schools in the Bay Area, California and across the nation to support our children, our future and our planet.
In just two short years, The Conscious Kitchen has transformed school culture in the dining hall and beyond. Teachers have reported: increased leadership qualities exhibited by students, improved academic performance, a 67% decrease in disciplinary cases, an increase in attendance, students treating one another with respect and improved manners and open communication.
As of the 2015/16 school year, The Conscious Kitchen serves 500 students K through 8 at a public school and a public charter school comprising the Sausalito Marin City School District, in Marin County, California. It is the first organic, non-GMO school district in the country.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteer opportunities are available at both Bayside MLK Academy in Marin City and Willow Creek Academy in Sausalito. Work with the Chef in the kitchen, help serving lunch to the students, or help work in the school garden.