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Farm to School

Nick Brown, YES Charter Academy Farm to School Director
Our farmer Nick Brown harvesting beets with the students and eating them right out of the ground!

Farm to School at YES Charter Academy: Growing Knowledge, Nourishing Futures

At YES Charter Academy, our Farm to School Program is more than just a garden—it’s a living, breathing classroom where students explore science, sustainability, and the powerful connection between food, health, and community. What began as a modest garden has blossomed into a vibrant, schoolwide learning initiative thanks to years of dedication, strong community partnerships, and impactful grant support—including the transformative SCALES grant awarded in 2024.

Zinnias in the garden at YES Charter Academy
YES Charter Academy transforms the K12 school experience with project-based learning focused on environmental topics and community collaborations.

Our program was built on a strong foundation, thanks in large part to Tena Brown, a certified California Master Gardener and founder of North Fork Harvest. Tena continues to lead engaging garden-based learning activities for students of all ages, sharing her deep knowledge and passion for growing food, building healthy soil, and connecting with the land. Her contributions remain central to the success and spirit of our Farm to School work.

Nick Brown, our Farm to School Director

Today, the program continues to thrive under the guidance of Nick Brown, our Farm to School Director—an accomplished first-generation farmer, educator, and nutrition advocate. Nick has decades of hands-on expertise, offering educational opportunities, and brings a strong commitment to food justice and environmental stewardship. He helps students build real-world skills and lifelong habits around growing and eating nourishing food to help realize their full potential.

In collaboration with Tatiana Kaiser, our Project-Based Learning Health Educator (a position made possible by the 2024 SCALES grant), students explore where their food comes from, how it’s grown, and why local, healthy food matters. Together, this team is crafting an immersive educational experience that connects the classroom to the garden and the cafeteria.

Procurement specialist, Sheila Rolfer

Also on the team is our brilliant procurement specialist, Sheila Rolfer. Sheila takes great care in sourcing the best local produce. She also utilizes the schools FFVP (Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Program Grant) by offering the students fresh fruits and vegetables three times a week at recess with an added educational component. This federal grant allows our students to receive fresh fruits and veggies in addition to their breakfast and lunch meals. Rounding out our Farm to School Team is our dedicated kitchen staff, Cherrity Leyson and Michelle Rodriquez.

From composting and soil science to trellis-building, planting, and harvesting, students at every grade level actively engage in the full cycle of food production. Thanks to the CA Grown Fresh grant, our garden now includes a greenhouse, chicken coop, outdoor learning center, and secure fencing—making it a year-round hub of learning and nourishment. Our harvests are even making their way into the school lunch program, where students enjoy the literal fruits (and veggies!) of their labor.

We are also proud to partner with the California Native Plant Society to introduce native species into the garden, fostering deeper ecological awareness and biodiversity. 

The Farm to School Program is rooted in the belief that children are our future—and we are what we eat. By teaching students to grow food, care for the earth, and nourish themselves and their communities, we’re planting seeds for a healthier, more connected tomorrow.