Bahia Vista Elementary School Partners with Teens Turning Green and Project Lunch

Teens Turning Green team supported a Project Lunch event as part of the Bahia Vista Elementary Community Work Day in San Rafael on April 30, 2011.

It started with an idea that Project Lunch presented to a dedicated team of Bahia Vista’s leadership including; Principal Juan Rodriguez, Garden Coordinator Karen Hollaran, Family Advocate Alexandra Danino and PTA Head Rosa Sanchez some months ago. The idea came up on a walk around campus and observing a picnic area in a state of disrepair. Project Lunch offered to help support the renovation of the tables and benches with the BV community taking the lead on the work.

Saturday was the culmination of that beautiful effort led by parent Miguel Sanchez and his team. The final step was putting the last coat of paint on the picnic tables and benches – Benjamin Moore, no VOC in a few shades of green. Dozens of Bahia Vista families came out to lend a hand and did an incredible job.

Thanks to Brenda Rivas-Camarema, Promotores Verde for organizing this effort.

Teens Turning Green facilitated two demos fpr all guests; one all about Green Cleaning  hosted by WAGES (Women’s Action to Gain Economic Security). It was followed by a DIY workshop so everyone could make their own All Purpose Cleaner with support from local pediatrician, Alice Brock-Utne (UCSFnutritious meal. That was hosted by Daniel Ayala of Arizmendi Bakery and the recipe was Vegan Chile.  Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit and Viviendo Verde Ya). The second demo was all about Food - how to make a simple, healthy,

The finale of the day was a sumptuous organic meal with the entire menu donated from a collective of awesome Marin businesses. The inspiration for the meal started with Heidi Krahling, Owner and Executive Chef, Insalata’s and Marinitas in San Anselmo. She created a Veggie Enchilada Casserole that we hope will be integrated into the San Rafael City Schools Food Service as they work to transition their lunch program to healthier offerings. The second entree was a recipe for Vegan Chili created by Arizmendi Bakery Chef, Daniel Ayala. Good Earth Natural Foods, Fairfax cooked up organic Brown Rice and donated organic tangerines. Earthbound Farm supplied all the organic salad fixings and our favorite local organic dairy, Straus Family Creamery donated their newest ice cream flavor Caramel Toffee Crunch. Whole Foods Market sponsored the purchase of ingredients. Fresh water came from The Water Store.

The goal of this event and the Project Lunch initiative, to coalesce community around food, to empower students and parents to advocate for healthy lunches, and to be steadfast in their quest to reach that goal. The lunch that was prepared and served this Saturday met the Federal School Lunch Program nutritional guidelines and budget. It was a far cry from what ends up on the plates of these kids every day. We owe it to this generation to ensure healthy and nutritious foods and to find ways to make this issue a collaborative process and not a heated debate.

We are honored to for the opportunity to work with Bahia Vista Elementary and for the support by so many businesses and people in our community.

Support for the Picnic Area provided by;

With funding from Teens Turning Green. Marin Organic, and Thompson Brooks Inc and in kind support from Golden State Lumber and Marin Color with Benjamin Moore Paint

Support for the Community Lunch;

Insalata’s, Arizmendi, Good Earth Natural Foods, Whole Foods Market, Earthbound Farm, Straus Family Creamery, The Water Store, Susan Lopes