Los Gatos High staffer makes documentary on edible learning

Film screens at International Conference on Food Studies.

Documenting edible learning

Los Gatos High School assistant principal Kristi Grasty recently brought her research on edible learning to the table at the 13th International Conference on Food Studies at the University of Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico.

Grasty’s documentary film focused on her doctoral research highlighting school food service practices and types of experiential education that promote better nutritional health for youth. In 2019 Grasty spearheaded the transformation of the Los Gatos-Saratoga Union High School District’s food service program, an effort that netted the district a 2023 Golden Bell Award from the California School Boards Association.

Serving over 1,000 meals a day, both schools’ breakfasts and lunches are created entirely from scratch, ditching the traditional method of heat-and-serve to make healthier, tastier and cheaper meals. Because fresh ingredients are more cost-effective than their frozen counterparts, the district also went from spending 55% of its cafeteria budget on food to only spending 33% in the 2022-23 school year.

“Kristi’s expertise and passion for food studies has given the transformation of our cafeterias such incredible momentum,” Superintendent Bill W. Sanderson said in a statement.

Grasty anticipates that her documentary film will be publicly shown later this year.

Community Police Academy

The Los Gatos Monte Sereno Police Department is hosting its Community Police Academy March 7-April 25.

The academy aims to build community relationships and strengthen the understanding between the police department and Los Gatos residents. A variety of topics are covered through classroom-style presentations and practical demonstrations. The academy is taught by instructors from all areas in the police department, including Police Chief Jamie Field.

To apply, visit https://www.losgatosca.gov/2575/Community-Police-Academy.