
The Banning Unified School District’s Child Nutrition Services team at Old Orange Grove..
The Banning Unified School District’s Child Nutrition Services team visited Old Orange Grove recently to get a firsthand look at the oranges being served in their own cafeterias.
Since the start of the school year, the team has been leading a new Farm-to-Cafeteria program that brings locally grown fruit directly into school meals. By sourcing fresh produce from nearby farms, the district is promoting healthy eating while supporting local agriculture and ensuring students enjoy nutritious, high-quality options.
Through partnerships with this orchard and a network of local farms, Banning Unified is able to provide a variety of fruits — from Valencia and Navel oranges to honeydews and seasonal selections — as part of daily meals. These efforts are also showcased through the district’s Harvest of the Month program, which introduces students to new produce and encourages them to build lifelong healthy eating habits.