Houston Independent School District provides over 150,000 students every year with a high-quality education that prepares them for life beyond the classroom. HISD achieves this by not only investing in strong instruction, supporting great teachers, and creating a culture of high expectations and accountability, but also empowering students and their communities to make informed food choices.

The HISD Farm to School Department focuses on taking a comprehensive approach to connecting students to where their food comes from. This is done through a focus on food education (agriculture, nutrition and culinary); procurement of local produce through the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (one of the largest in Texas!); food tastings through farm field trips, gardening and culinary classes; and lastly through the food we produce at two district production locations. 

HISD’s partnership with FoodCorps advances the district’s goals to provide nourishing school meals, expand student participation in school meal programs, increase student food literacy, and students’ ability to make nutritious choices. FoodCorps members support HISD’s goals by building out capacity for increased local sourcing and supporting the ability to bring produce from district production sites to cafeterias across the district. This work includes gathering feedback from students on breakfast and lunch options, conducting taste tests, promoting school nutrition activities through newsletters and social media, and hosting family engagement events.