CCOF Foundation

Third through sixth grade students at El Vista School received a grant to learn about organically and conventionally grown fruit and vegetables. They compared the look, taste, and smell of the fruit and vegetables, researched both farming practices, and visited a conventional farm and an organic farm. Ninety eight percent of El Vista School’s student body receives reduced or free lunch and many of its students do not get the chance to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, even though they live in a farming region.

Emilie Clarke is a student at Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz, California studying horticulture with a focus in organic crop production. Due to the inclusive and supportive nature of the Santa Cruz community, working at farmers’ markets and involving herself in farming and ecological opportunities has led her to meeting some of the most inspirational organic farmers in all three surrounding counties.

Erin Franey is honored to be part of the CCOF farmer community as a second season apprentice at Rainshadow Organics, a 200-acre full-diet farm in central Oregon. Her interest in farming is rooted in a boundless curiosity in food systems, food culture, and a commitment to building a more just and equitable world. She has worked as a community organizer, director of an international youth leadership program, and most recently at a cooking and nutrition education nonprofit in San Francisco.