About Us

Sam with kids
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Vision

Nourishing Nevada County students with fresh, locally sourced meals, fostering health, sustainability, and community well-being.

Mission

Our mission is to ensure that every student in Nevada County has access to nutritious, scratch-made meals prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We are dedicated to creating an equitable food system that supports the health and well-being of our students while promoting sustainable agricultural practices and fostering strong community ties. By prioritizing whole foods and minimizing processed ingredients, we aim to nourish our students’ bodies and minds, helping them reach their full potential academically, physically, socially, and emotionally.

Through collaborative partnerships with local farmers, educators, families, and community organizations, we seek to educate our students about the importance of healthy eating habits and sustainable food systems. We believe that by instilling a lifelong appreciation for nutritious foods and environmental stewardship, we can contribute to the development of a healthier, more resilient community. Our commitment extends beyond the cafeteria, as we work to integrate nutrition education into the broader school curriculum and engage the community in our mission.

In addition, we aim to incorporate culturally diverse foods and student-inspired meals to further connect the school food program with the community. Together, we strive to create a thriving environment where every student can grow, learn, and succeed, supported by a foundation of healthy, delicious, and sustainably sourced meals.

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What is Local?

At Community Roots, when we say “local,” we’re not just drawing a circle on a map—we’re following the flow of water. As a river community in Nevada County, we define local by the Sacramento Watershed, the interconnected ecosystem that links our mountain farms, foothill orchards, and valley fields. It’s a more thoughtful approach than using a simple radius because it reflects how food actually moves—along rivers, through soil, across microclimates—and how our communities are connected by more than just distance. By sourcing within the watershed, we’re nourishing students with food that’s truly rooted in our place, our seasons, and our shared story—supporting not just local farms, but the health of our entire regional food system.

Participating Districts

Chicago Park School District
Katie Kohler, Superintendent & Board Vice President
chicagoparkschool.org

Community Roots at Chicago Park School embodies our deep connection to our rural setting, hands-on learning, and strong relationships. Our district values sustainability, agriculture, and a sense of belonging, which this food program strengthens by providing fresh, locally sourced meals. Just as students grow and harvest food in our school garden, they learn the importance of where food comes from and supporting the local community. At its core, Community Roots is about coming together—connecting with farmers, promoting healthy choices, and ensuring every child has access to nutritious meals, reinforcing the foundation of a strong community.

Duane Tripplet

Clear Creek School District
Duane Tripplet, Superintendent & Board Member
clearcreekschool.org

I am excited to see the launch of Community Roots School Food Services Agency! The Community Roots collaboration will benefit our community in multiple ways, expanding access to fresh, nutritious meals for students.  This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for us to provide fresh, nutritious meals and teach our students the value of healthy eating. It will be a wonderful way to foster a sense of community and encourage healthier eating habits.

Grass Valley School District
Andrew Withers, Superintendent & Board Member
gvsd.us

We are tremendously proud to be a part of the food service improvements with Community Roots.  We believe in the power and importance of providing students with locally sourced nutritious meals and we look forward to the implementation of increased scratch cooking efforts across our school district and Nevada County

John Baggett

Nevada City School District
John Baggett, Superintendent & Board President
ncsd.school

Community Roots is a commitment to nourishing our children so they can learn, grow, and thrive. Quality, scratch-cooked meals made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients provide the foundation for better focus, engagement, and overall well-being. I am especially excited about this endeavor, having seen firsthand in Boulder, Colorado, how a fresh, whole-food approach can transform school communities. Through my visit with Sierra Harvest, I witnessed how it can be done; the power of real food in schools, fostering healthier habits and stronger connections. Bringing this vision to Nevada County students is an investment in their future, ensuring every child has the nutrition they need to succeed. 

Dan Frisella

Nevada Joint Union High School District
Dan Frisella, Superintendent & Board Member
njuhsd.com

NJUHSD is excited to be a part of the county-wide movement to improve student meals for all students.  We value healthy, high-quality and locally sourced whole foods that are nutritious and delicious.  We also understand the positive impact of healthy and nutritious food to the social, physical, and emotional well-being or our entire community.

Melissa Conley

Penn Valley Union Elementary School District
Melissa Conley, Superintendent & Board Secretary
pvuesd.org

Community Roots is dedicated to improving student learning by nurturing nutritional health through accessible, high-quality meals. By prioritizing regionally sourced food, the organization supports local farmers, reduces environmental impact, and fosters sustainability. This shared commitment builds a strong sense of community, creating a supportive circle between producers, consumers, and the environment—promoting student well-being and a more resilient, connected, and conscious community.

Rusty Clark

Pleasant Ridge Union School District
Gregg Motarjeme, Superintendent & Board Member
prsd.us


Pleasant Ridge is excited to join in a new partnership with Community Roots, whose amazing staff will be a provider of high-quality, nutritious meals, to enhance the dining experience for our students. This new initiative aims to provide healthier, fresh, and more diverse food options that cater to the varied tastes and dietary needs of our students. With an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices, Community Roots will not only improve the quality of meals but also foster a stronger connection between our schools and the community. We believe this partnership will make a significant difference in the health, well-being, and overall satisfaction of our students, ensuring they have the energy and nutrition they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom.

scott mikal headshot

Union Hill School District
Scott Mikal-Heine, Superintendent & Board Member
unionhillschooldistrict.org

At Union Hill School District, Community Roots represents more than just a new approach to school meals—it symbolizes a movement toward nurturing the whole child. We are energized by the shift to scratch-cooked, locally sourced meals that honor our commitment to health, equity, and academic success. By connecting students to fresh, nutritious food, we’re fueling their bodies and minds, deepening the connection between wellness and learning. This initiative reflects our belief that when children are nourished, they are more engaged, focused, and prepared to thrive—both in the classroom and beyond.

Scott Lay

Nevada County Superintendent of Schools
Scott Lay, Superintendent & Board Member
nevco.org/schools


Community Roots is the culmination of years worth of planning and coordination between our school districts.  We are now at a place where we can provide quality, nutritious, and delicious food for our students in Nevada County.  This will be a model for others across the state to follow.

Nevada County School Food Services Agency Board Info

Community Roots’ governing body is the Nevada County School Food Services Agency. The Board membership consists of the Superintendents of the participating school districts including: Chicago Park, Clear Creek, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Nevada Joint Union High School, Penn Valley, Pleasant Ridge, Union Hill, and Nevada County Superintendent of Schools. The Board generally meets monthly on the third Thursday. Location rotates from district to district. See current agenda for meeting location.

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What is Sustainability?

We are passionate about creating a sustainable school food program which focuses on healthier and more environmentally responsible practices. Key goals include:

  1. Reducing food waste by creating responsive menus and portion sizes, streamlining ordering and delivery methods, and minimizing food spoilage
  2. Sourcing local ingredients to support local farmers and reduce transportation emissions
  3. Promoting sustainable practices such as switching to reusable alternatives to single-use plastics

We are also committed to financial sustainability, which will be achieved through cost-effective operations and diversified funding streams.