Huntington Beach City School District Earns Eat Real “Green” Certification for School Nutrition Program
Huntington Beach City School District (HBCSD) is proud to announce that its Food & Nutrition Services Department has officially achieved Eat Real “Green” Certification, a milestone recognizing the District’s commitment to serving meals that are fresh, minimally processed, and responsibly sourced for every student.
Eat Real is a doctor-led, science-backed certification program that helps K-12 school food leaders elevate their menus through a rigorous framework measured across 10 standards and 34 key performance indicators. HBCSD is now recognized as part of a statewide network of districts that have met this high bar for school food quality.
“This program provides us with the tools and support to elevate our school nutrition program, helping us source fresh, wholesome ingredients, reduce waste, and inspire lifelong healthy eating habits for our students,” said Ashlin Connolly, Director of Food and Nutrition Services.
Eat Real Certification is a multi-phase process that typically spans up to two years from start to finish. Eat Real specialists began by conducting an in-depth assessment of HBCSD’s Food & Nutrition Services program, analyzing:
Current menu offerings and recipes
Procurement and sourcing practices
Ingredient processing levels
Sustainability efforts and food waste systems
Student education and engagement around food
From this assessment, HBCSD received a customized action plan measured against Eat Real’s standards and key performance indicators, covering everything from the amount of added sugar and whole grains on the menu to the percentage of scratch-cooked, minimally processed, and locally or regionally sourced food served to students, as well as sustainability practices like food waste reduction and recycling.
The certification reflects real, measurable progress already happening in HBCSD cafeterias:
60% locally sourced produce, daily fresh fruits and vegetables for students, including 43% from small farms and 34% organic or regenerative
Responsibly sourced proteins, organic, regeneratively raised beef and One Health Certified poultry, alongside expanding plant-based options
10 scratch-made entrées on the middle school menu every week
Share tables in every cafeteria, unopened food items go to classmates instead of the trash
Nutrition education in both the classroom and the cafeteria
An independent review by Eat Real then verified the District’s performance against each standard before awarding the Green certification level.
Certification is valid for three years, during which HBCSD will continue to receive support, professional development, and access to a statewide network of school food service leaders working toward the same goals.
“This work allows us to build on the meaningful progress our Food & Nutrition Services team has made over the last several years,” said Gary Stine, Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services. “We are excited to take this next step to ensure every student has access to nutritious meals that support learning, growth, and lifelong well-being.”
Free Meals for All Students
As the District celebrates this achievement, HBCSD also reminds families that free school meals will remain available to all students for the 2026-2027 school year. Families are encouraged to complete the District’s School Funding Form (also known as the Meal Application Form), which, even with meals free for all, helps the District qualify for critical funding, including:
Increased funding through the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF)
Discounted internet, phone, and cell service programs for families
Reduced-cost school bus passes
Technology and support staff funding for schools
Equipment grants that help improve meal quality districtwide
Families only need to complete one form per household, regardless of how many children they have enrolled in HBCSD.
Food & Nutrition Services Website Makes It Easier to Explore the Program
To help families access information about the meal program, please visit the HBCSD Food & Nutrition Services website. The website offers a modern, accessible design and continued access to menus, meal applications, meal accommodation information, nutrition details, and more.
HBCSD will continue to share updates as it builds on this certification and expands its commitment to serving real, nourishing food to every student, every day.