The Food for Thought Ojai Story

Timeline

Initial meetings between Marty Fujita, Jim Churchill, and Steve Fields to discuss starting a farm to school program in Ojai.

FFT’s first salad bar launched at Topa Topa to overwhelming response, followed by Meiners Oaks and Mira Monte schools.
Nutrition education and Agricultural literacy program begin.

Topa Topa students’ inaugural field trip to McGrath Farm.
First fundraising “Dinner and a Movie” featuring Tony Shalhoub held at Ojai Playhouse (sold out!).

Salad bar, farm field trips and nutrition education components running smoothly at all elementary schools.
SOLD OUT fundraiser “Locally Grown” Concert featuring Jack Johnson (!), the Malloy Brothers and Ted Lennon held at Libbey Bowl.
First part-time Garden Coordinator hired and initiation of garden curriculum for K, 1st and 5th grades.

FFT Steering Committee decides the organization should become a 501c3 nonprofit in order to more effectively and efficiently oversee grants and reporting.

“Up and down the Wastestream” pilot project initiated at Topa Topa, Meiners Oaks elementary schools, and Nordhoff High School, with foundation grant support.
Films for Thought Series launched-Sold out screenings!
Locally Grown 2 fundraising concert held in Libbey Bowl headlining Perla Batalla, Brett Dennen, the Carrot Chorus and winners of the Battle of the Bands (Emy Reynolds, Philosophy, and Imaginative Clams).

Topa Topa and Meiners Oaks garden clubs hold school farmers markets and sell-out all produce!
First farm field trips to Ojai local farms including Rio Gozo and Churchill Orchard.

Green and Healthy Schools project initiated in partnership with OUSD made possible by significant funds from anonymous foundation grant.
Second installment of free Films for Thought series.
Locally Grown 3! Mason Jennings, Perla Batalla, Quetzal, and Culver City Dub Collective with special guest Jack Johnson-incredible event!

Kevin White “Rows the Rainbow Bridge” to Anacapa to support Food for Thought Ojai.

Bill Paxton, Claud Mann and Kevin Ruf combine talents to host Dinner and a Movie fundraiser.
Received Founders’ Award from Edible Communities in honor of FFTO Marty Fujita.
Kevin White and John Phaneuf row and paddle from SB to Ventura to raise funds for FFTO.
All 7 OUSD schools receive Green School award.
Green and Healthy School efforts to reduce milk waste featured on NPR’s Marketplace.
Farm to Table Dinner fundraising co-hosted with Besant Hill School.

Ventura County Board of Supervisors award Food for Thought Ojai with the Health Champion Award-Healthy Family and Communities.
10-year Anniversary at Knead Bakery and Topa Topa Elementary with Alice Waters.

Joined VC Farm to School Collaborative workgroups.
Moved into office space shared with Ojai Valley Green Coalition.
Hosted Films for Thought part 3 with Nutrition Services dept.
Environmental Field studies students plant crops to be harvested for use in school meals.