On Friday October 17, 2025, Fillmore Unified School District’s Child Nutrition Department was honored by Food Service Sustainability Solutions and Senior Vice President Kim Eger with the K-12 Best in Class Partner in Environmental Stewardship Award. Each year, the firm recognizes one school district in California for exceptional leadership in sustainable food-service practices, and this year, Fillmore Unified School District earned the distinction for its outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship.
In 2022, Food Service Sustainability Solutions installed a food-waste dehydrator at Fillmore High School, followed by a second installation at Rio Vista Elementary School. The initiative, led by the Child Nutrition Services Department, was designed to divert back-of-house food waste from landfills and convert it into a compost accelerant or animal feed. The dehydrator uses heat, air and agitation to dramatically reduce food-waste volume, transforming roughly 100–125 pounds of scraps into 10–12 pounds of a dry, coffee-ground-like material.
This recognition reflects Fillmore Unified’s broader commitment to sustainability and student wellness. The district continues to advance its mission by promoting scratch cooking, reducing reliance on pre-packaged and processed foods, and offering healthier, fresher meal options. These efforts align with the district’s dedication to environmental responsibility and student health — and they come at a pivotal moment for California schools.
With the passage of AB 1264, California is setting a first-in-the-nation standard to phase out “ultra-processed foods” from school menus. The law directs the state to define “particularly harmful ultra-processed foods” and requires schools to begin phasing them out by 2028.
Thanks to our partnership with Chef Brigaid, Fillmore Unified is already ahead of the curve, our Child Nutrition team has been focusing on fresh, scratch-prepared meals and reducing reliance on packaged and processed items. This work not only aligns with the new legislation but also supports our commitment to providing students with wholesome, nourishing food every day. Fillmore Unified’s early adoption of best practices in waste diversion and whole-food kitchens positions us as a model for California districts moving into this new era of school food.
Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle said, "Congratulations to the Child Nutrition Department for this award, and thanks to all our staff, students and families who support making our lunchrooms greener, healthier and future-ready.”
