California Producers Push for Local Beef and Dairy in School Lunches

The "Fueling the Future" initiative, hosted at the Secretary of State’s multi-purpose room, serves as a bridge between agricultural producers and state policymakers. Organizers, including the California Cattle Council and the Dairy Council of California, intend to provide lawmakers with firsthand experience of school meal programs by offering samples of beef and dairy-based dishes currently served in classrooms.

Beyond the menu, the event functions as an open house for legislators to engage directly with the professionals responsible for student nutrition. Justin Oldfield, Executive Director of the California Cattle Council, emphasizes that sustainable, locally grown food serves as a fundamental pillar for student development. By connecting the source of the food—the state's ranchers—with the end-users in the educational system, the coalition hopes to secure long-term support for state-grown food programs.