21 November 2025Welcome to the Snack Parade: We're Bringing Farmers and Schools Together to Nourish Our Kids


“Mister Farmer Tony” (cute nickname origin story forthcoming), like most of us, has faced a few things in his life that left him nervous. He’s a 3rd+ generation farmer who spent his life on the Central Coast AND a passionate small family business owner ([link removed] after all. It comes with the territory. But nothing was like facing the curious eyes of 400 Elementary students, who were waiting…or, more accurately, wiggling… to hear him speak. “I was excited and nervous at the same time,” he says. “Because, technically, I was speaking to the future of this country. Looking out at the next 50 years.”
The assembly was at an Elementary School in San Bruno that’s part of our Farm 2 School program ([link removed] where Linda, our program manager and red-tape slasher extraordinaire, connects local farmers to school nutritional programs.
"Mister Farmer Tony" at the assembly.

The school was celebrating California Farmer and Farmworker Month, and some of these kids were about to learn (insert your mind-blown gif or emoji of choice here) that food comes from the dirt, not the store. “We had so many questions we had to limit it,” Tony says. Number 1? “Are those vegetables…REAL??”
Tony (right) with his son Tito (left)
near the tomato fields.
Photo credit: @joshuabermanphotography

Questions like that are why nutrition education is so important to Wendy, the Food Operations Manager at San Bruno School District. “We want to look at the cafeteria, at the kitchen, as another curriculum for the kids. A place for learning, and being curious, and engaging,” she says. “We want to introduce them to new things ([link removed] try to encourage them to eat healthy.”

It’s more than healthy eating, though. She adds, “...but we also just want to make sure they actually eat. We want to make them excited about eating.”

Back at the assembly, the kids lined up to taste persian cucumbers from Tony’s farm near Watsonville. Now, I can hear you thinking: “Cucumbers? Really?” We asked about it, we’re doing hard-hitting journalism here!


“The kids love Tajin, they put Tajin on everything. We can’t buy enough cucumbers.” Wendy says, by way of explanation. (Relatable, K-5 kids! I’m sure all you readers with a Costco-sized 2 pack of Tajin staring at you from the pantry right now are nodding along.)

It was only the second month of school, but this tasting was one of many the students had experienced. Wendy had created a “Harvest of the Month” taste test and learning activity featuring fresh produce from Tony’s farm ([link removed] and others, coordinated by our program manager.

In September, everyone tried tomatoes (yellow was the favorite, according to Tony who was excited to bring the kids something other than your standard red variety). October, it was learning about ([link removed] varieties ([link removed] (“We had a bingo card the students could take home,” Wendy says). This month? Persimmons.


After the talk, the kids surrounded Tony at his table decorated with a gleaming rainbow of fresh produce. Fingers were pointing wildly. Questions ricocheted. What is it? How do you eat it? Does it grow on a tree? A bush? Where’s it FROM??“To my surprise, a good surprise, they were very interactive, very interested. I love it,” he says.

“When they walked past my table to thank me, they called me Farmer Tony… Mister Farmer Tony,” Tony laughs, as he recounts their eager voices. “They all walked by and said ‘Thank you Mister Farmer Tony, the cucumbers were really good!’”
"Are those real??" A produce table featuring things Farmer Tony grows at JAS Family Farms.
 Holiday Bonus: What's For Dinner, Featuring Team Acterra
Lauren, our Executive Director, cooks a vegan meal with her family.

([link removed] any of these recipes? Tag us in a pic here!

(Or reply to this email)

All this talk about farms and lunchtime taste tests ([link removed] has made us hungry. So, we asked our team: What's your absolute favorite vegan dish?

Here's what they said:

Dennis, Senior Manager, Water & Policy:A couple of weekends ago we stopped by the Santa Cruz outpost of Far West Fungi and came home with a lot of fun stuff. We made this and will do again for Thanksgiving. ([link removed]
Genevieve, Director of Programs: This one is a crowd pleaser and is on the rotation, chickpea herb stew goodness ([link removed] good for winter to make you feel cozy and healthy.
Michelle, Operations Manager: I was trying to boost my iron before a blood donation, and eat as much spinach as possible. I made creamy white beans with spinach ([link removed] I’ll never understand where the spinach disappears to when it’s cooked down.
Irvin, Beneficial Electrification Manager: I tried this garbanzo bean ceviche at Veggielution ([link removed] when it was cooked by the cocina team. It’s been a favorite of mine ever since.
Wendy, Coalition and Project Senior Manager: I really like this vegan Japchae ([link removed] If you want to add a different protein than tofu, you can cut thin strips of Trader Joe's plant based bulgogi.
Induction Demo and Tasting


Curious about induction cooking and want to see it in action? Join us for an interactive cooking demonstration where our featured culinary expert will prepare seasonal holiday dishes and offer tastings to all attendees.

Whether you're new to induction cooking or looking to sharpen your skills, this event will give you firsthand experience with the technology and its advantages.
Thursday, Dec. 3, 1 – 2PM
Mountain View
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SAVE THE DATE: WaterPalooza Returns in January!

WaterPalooza! is comprised of a series of “deep watershed dives” into an ocean of timely topics, engrossing and interrelated water, climate and resiliency issues.


Join an audience of thought leaders, changemakers, stakeholders and gatekeepers from throughout the Bay Area, California and beyond.

Last year's speakers included (Watch their videos here ([link removed] UC Berkeley Professor David Sedlak on the challenges of Water for AllFormer Microsoft Head of Data Center Strategy Priscilla Johnson on data centers, water, AI & cybersecurityThe Interview: Valley Water Board Chair Nai HsuehThe US Army Corp on Bay dredging and the value of sludgeAquarry’s Kate Murphy on capturing atmospheric carbon through waterSoquel Creek’s Melanie Mow Schumacher on Pure Water SoquelActerra’s Genevieve Lucas-Conwell on homelessness and waterways
Dr. Cindy Russell on Groundwater Pollution and Rethinking Artificial TurfAnd more!
Thursday and Friday, Jan. 15 & 16,
Virtual
([link removed] Last Year's Talks
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San Mateo County & Los Banos Residents - Check Out These Rebates from Peninsula Clean Energy ([link removed]

Heat Pump Water Heater: Save up to $6,800 on a heat pump water heater (ENDS DEC 31). Need an emergency replacement? They've got you covered!
View Water Heater Rebates ([link removed]
Electric Vehicles: Stack rebates and get $13,500 off when purchasing a used EV, or up to $18,000 off if you trade in an older gas-powered car. Already have an EV? They've got rebates for charging too!
View EV and Charging Rebates ([link removed]

E-bikes: Income-qualified residents can receive up to $1,000 off an e-bike.
View E-bike Rebates ([link removed]

Furnace or AC Upgrades: PCE is also offering rebates on efficient, clean electric appliances like HVACs. Learn about the benefits and incentives.
View HVAC Rebates

Financing: Want to DIY, but need help completing all these projects? PCE has programs to assist in financing, up to $10,000 at 0%.
Financing Incentives ([link removed]


([link removed] MORE
([link removed] Rebate & Incentive Programs Happening Now
Oakland / Richmond and San Pablo / Bayview Hunters Point Garden Equipment Exchange Program ([link removed]
Richmond, El Cerrito and San Pablo - Electrify Your Block
Woodside Electric Garden Voucher Program
FREE Home Upgrade Program for Menlo Park Residents
Progress on Building Reach Codes

This fall, local building codes are being revised in response to the 2025 State Code updates, making this the season for reach codes in many jurisdictions. Recently, Los Altos, Los Gatos, and Saratoga all unanimously passed AC to Heat Pump and Electric Readiness ordinances. More information is coming soon for Los Altos Hills, where reach codes are in progress. Meanwhile, San Mateo City Council recently directed staff to prepare electric-preferred ordinances for four categories of existing buildings: Cooling Upgrades (residential and commercial), FlexPath, and Electric Readiness. These actions show that energy efficiency and electrification measures have continued to be a local priority in a dozen or more Bay Area cities and towns ([link removed]


In Case You Missed It: Air District Building Appliance Rules Seek Comment

Public comment is being accepted until November 24, 2025 on the Bay Area Air District’s Concept Paper about Rules 9-6 and 9-4 for zero-NOx building appliances. The paper, prepared by staff, considers possible flexibility amendments that might be applied to address affordability, equipment-based exceptions, or other concerns. Submit feedback to: [email protected]. And please speak up at a hybrid Stationary Source Committee meeting on December 10, 2025, 10 am - 5 pm, which will also discuss the building appliance rules.


Sign Petition Against Plastic Turf
If you oppose the use of petroleum-based playing fields (a.k.a. plastic or artificial turf), please sign this online petition calling for a moratorium on installation of artificial turf in San Francisco City and County. Pollution throughout the entire life cycle of artificial turf, from extraction to disposal, is a major concern, as well as unacceptable levels of PFAS and microplastics in proximity to youth. In addition, artificial turf creates heating effects, its surface impermeability increases flooding risks, and athletes experience increased safety risks (from burns, etc) have been well documented.


Guest Perspective: Our Community Needs the PCE Community Engagement Committee
Read thefull article here. ([link removed]

Save Bay Area Transit
People throughout the Bay Area face catastrophic transit service cuts. A regional ballot measure will raise $1B/year to prevent cuts and improve service, if voters pass it in November 2026. BUT FIRST, we need to gather over 200,000 signatures to get this on the ballot.

HOW TO HELP: Sign up for updates and volunteer opportunities here. ([link removed]
 
Endorsed Events

Breathe Easy: Faith, Clean Air, and the Power of Clean Energy
Dec. 5, 7 PM. Link ([link removed]
Pro-Tip: In life and in fire-safety, don't ignore red flags.

Understanding these warnings is important for everyone, regardless of whether you live in a fire-prone area.

You can track active Red Flag Warnings by visiting CAL FIRE’s website and checking the “red flag warnings” box on the statewide map.
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Acterra has newsletters for everyone. Our offerings include sustainable food, electric vehicles, EV charging equity, young professionals, and more. Click the "Subscribe to our Newsletters" link below and make sure to select each one you want to receive, even if you are already subscribed!
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Our Contact Information
Acterra
3921 E Bayshore Rd Suite 210
Palo Alto, CA 94303
650.962.9876
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