California Superintendent Tony Thurmond convened leaders in school nutrition, sustainability and organic farming in a webinar on Feb. 24 to continue “Go Organic,” an initiative to increase organic food in school meals.

Thurmond kicked off the “Go Organic” initiative in partnership with Conscious Kitchen last June, encouraging local educational agencies to take the Go Organic Pledge and commit to introducing more organic ingredients in school meals. The webinar included nutrition services directors from different parts of the state sharing how they are increasing fresh, healthy ingredients in student meals. Additionally, Watsonville-based Hikari Farms owner Janet Nagamine, a medical doctor who oversees her family’s organic farm, discussed how growing food for schools combats rising trends in childhood obesity and diabetes.

The webinar has information for school administrators and educators on expanding organic foods on campuses. To view the webinar, visit facebook.com/CAEducation /videos/3476136282694802. For information, visit cde.ca.gov.