Students often wonder where the food in our cafeteria actually comes from. The Epicurean Group, which provides meals for the school, focuses on more than just filling plates; they care about how ingredients are sourced. Many of the foods we eat every day are connected to local farms and suppliers, bringing fresh and seasonal products right into our cafeteria.
“The farms and suppliers we partner with are honestly decided for us. We don’t decide in here as a kitchen, our corporate headquarters decides that for us. It has to meet a certain dollar amount. They have to be within 100 miles; some 50, some 100, depending on the product. And so usually, most of our things are coming from Watsonville, as far as farm and fresh produce coming from the Watsonville area” General Manager Lori Lewis stated.
This centralized system ensures consistency across locations, but it also highlights how the kitchen’s connection to local agriculture is shaped more by corporate guidelines than by personal choice.
“So again, it’s our headquarters that helps us. They make it pretty easy for us as they have done all that homework, they’ve done their due diligence, but the farmers have to go through a lot of procedures and whatnot, to prove their sustainability. We stick to PH oils, cage free eyes. Range free chicken, grass fed beef, all of those standards” Lori Lewis said.
These requirements not only guarantee consistency across all locations but also reflect the company’s commitment to sustainability and higher-quality ingredients.
When asked if there is a seasonal rotation of ingredients based on what’s available in our region, Lori stated, “Our vendors, where we purchase our product from, are always in contact with us and they let us know what’s in season. So yes, we always will go with the most seasonal foods like fruits and vegetables. Tomatoes, depending on the season, we do have to get them year round, but depending on where it’s regional, then we can get fresh tomatoes pretty much anywhere.”
Students even have a role in shaping the menu. Feedback and preferences help guide the choices Epicurean makes, ensuring meals reflect what the school community actually enjoys. Behind every dish is a story–sometimes from a local farmer or supplier who takes pride in providing healthy food. By learning about where our meals come from, students can better appreciate the effort and care that goes into what we eat every day.
