Raley’s Brings the Farm to Life for Sacramento Area Youth

Raley’s Family of Fine stores has launched a new program to provide field trips for young students to local livestock cattle ranches and farms. The Where Your Foods Grows & Grazes Program is designed to create hands-on learning activities in agricultural education, conservation, nutrition and healthy life styles. In partnership with California Rangeland Trust, Raley’s Where Your Food Grows & Grazes program will bring Sacramento’s Farm-to-Fork movement to life for the next generation. “When children have a respect for where their food grows and grazes, they are both inspired and empowered to make healthier choices,” says Chelsea Minor, Raley’s director of public relations & public affairs. “Many students lack a basic understanding of where fresh food comes from, and even fewer have ever stepped foot onto a farm or ranch. Raley’s is committed to helping our customers understand the connection our communities have with food production.” This program will connect students with fresh, healthy and local food. Children who experience a farm or ranch will have an enriched understanding of where food comes from, company officials say. “The reception from both local schools and ranchers has been overwhelming,” says Randy Gustavus, corporate and community relations director for California Rangeland Trust. “The ranchers also love that we are bringing students out to learn more about their industry in hopes that they may pursue a career in agriculture.” The day long, all-inclusive field trips will include the following components, as described by Raley's officials:

The program roll-out will begin in Sacramento & Yolo Counties, benefiting students in the Washington Unified School District, San Juan School District and Sacramento City School District. The program will host six field trips to local California Rangeland properties throughout the fall semester. “When students from the Culinary Arts and Farm-to-Fork Education program visit a ranch, they will gain an entirely new perspective on the agricultural and food industries,” says Renee Collins, director of career and technical education, Washington Unified School District. “Being able to meet and interact with industry workers in their work environment is key. We hope students learn about jobs and career paths that they may not have otherwise considered.“ This is the first iteration of the program. Raley’s hopes to continue to work with the California Rangeland Trust and other partners to bring the food production experience to life for youth. The program is expected to expand to other regions Raley’s serves.