We are very pleased to announce that this afternoon our Central Commissary at Foster Elementary (The Foster Center) received an Award of Excellence in the “Project In Design” category of the 2015 C.A.S.H./AIACC Leroy F. Greene Design + Planning Awards Program, the first of many State awards that we expect this important project to receive.

When completed, the facility will combine three distinct programs: a 30,000 square foot central kitchen, an education center, and a 1.5-acre urban farm, all on one site creating a singular, integrated experience for the students of Oakland Unified School District and the Oakland community. Not only will the Center produce nearly 50,000 meals each day, but it will offer a rich tableau of educational programs (developed in conjunction with the Center for Ecoliteracy) within the classrooms and the urban farm tailored towards all grade levels emphasizing STEM learning, farming, environmental science, and a range of career-based educational programs. This project will help to support the District’s goal to transform their nutritional services program and create a district-wide culture that connects food, culture, health, wellness, and education.