When Kat Soltanmorad discusses food, she thinks beyond the plate. As the Director of Food and Nutrition Services at Tahoe Truckee Unified School District (TTUSD), she focuses on the environment, the economy, and the future of students. For 20 years, Kat has aimed to provide every student with organic and nutritious meals. She also emphasizes sustainability and local sourcing while aiming to cut down on waste.
But it’s not as simple as it sounds. “Here’s the kicker,” Kat explains, “the beef grown just 90 miles away still travels far to get processed and packaged before returning here.” This inefficiency highlights a major environmental issue—the disconnect between communities and their food systems. “Our food system has become so commercialized that it’s often cheaper to buy frozen meat from far away rather than local beef,” she adds.
Kat is determined to close this gap. She believes that education should start early. She organizes trips for TTUSD students to local farms, helping them connect with their food sources. This exposure teaches young children about sustainability and the importance of regenerative farming practices. “For many kids, it’s their first time seeing where their food comes from,” she says. These experiences can influence their future choices about food. “More young people are getting involved, which is crucial,” she notes. Social media plays a part in this increase in awareness.
Kat’s journey began at the Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies at Cal Poly Pomona. There she learned how food systems relate to climate health. She believes rethinking food sourcing and waste management is essential in the fight against climate change. Under her guidance, TTUSD has shifted from processed meals to fresh, nutrient-rich options. This transformation benefits not only the environment but the students’ health and academic performance.
Since 2013, TTUSD has worked with Tahoe Food Hub, a non-profit connecting local farmers and communities. Kat credits her Food Services team for making these initiatives possible. Their collaboration is part of a broader trend. Many school districts across the country are now transitioning to organic, locally-grown meals. Kat hopes more schools will find funding to make similar changes, showing that solutions to climate issues can start in small ways, like through school lunches.
In fact, studies show that students who eat healthier meals perform better academically. According to a survey by the National School Lunch Program, schools that focus on fresh, local produce have seen a 35% increase in student engagement with their meals. This backs up Kat’s belief: good food can lead to better learning.
Kat’s work exemplifies how local efforts can lead to significant changes in both school nutrition and environmental health. By educating students today, she’s helping shape the eaters of tomorrow. You can learn more about her work through the Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
Makenna Hogland
Makenna Hogland is a senior at Truckee High School and a member of the Tahoe Youth Action Team, where she focuses on promoting local issues and influencing policy.
