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Get Certified with Eat Real's K-12 certification program

The Eat Real Certification program is a free, evidence-based roadmap helping K-12 school districts improve their menus. Focusing on 10 sustainability and nutrition standards—such as reduced sugar and minimal processing—it connects foodservice leaders to a supportive nationwide network.

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Best for

Foodservice leaders looking to build healthy communities in our schools

How it works

To join and succeed in the Eat Real Certification program, school districts follow a structured, data-driven pathway. Here is an outline of how the process works based on their framework:

Initial Engagement & Inquiry

  • Connect with Eat Real: Foodservice leaders initiate the process by contacting the Eat Real team to assess eligibility and program fit.
  • Zero-Cost Onboarding: Because the program is fully funded for school districts, there are no financial barriers to entry.

Comprehensive Assessment

  • Data Collection: Districts provide their current menu plans and procurement practices to the Eat Real team.
  • KPI Evaluation: Eat Real evaluates the district’s baseline operations against **34 key performance indicators (KPIs)** mapped across their 10 core standards.

Customized Roadmap & Action Plan

  • Holistic Insight: Leaders receive a clear, data-backed view of their current meal program's strengths and areas for growth.
  • Targeted Strategies: Eat Real provides a customized "blueprint" and actionable steps tailored to the district's specific challenges (e.g., sourcing sustainable produce, reducing sugar, or increasing whole grains).

Implementation & Community Support

  • Peer Collaboration: Districts gain access to a nationwide network of foodservice directors and changemakers to share ideas, troubleshooting tips, and best practices.
  • Ongoing Guidance: Eat Real acts as a continuous partner, walking alongside the foodservice team as they implement menu updates and shift procurement habits.

Certification & Celebration

  • Tiered Recognition: As districts successfully meet the evidence-based standards, they earn official certification tiers (such as Green, Silver, or Gold).
  • Impact Tracking: Districts leverage their certification to improve community perception, boost student meal participation, and celebrate their commitment to a healthier future.

If you would like more specific information on the 10 evidence-based standards, or details on how to contact their team, click below to learn more.

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What you can do for your community

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Bring Eat Real to your school district

Eat Real runs an award-winning K-12 school food certification program that partners directly with school district foodservice leaders to upgrade their menus.

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Join the movement

We envision a U.S. food system built for people, not profit.

A food system that:

  • Promotes health, not diet-related diseases
  • Expands access to healthy, nourishing food regardless of income
  • Protects children from predatory marketing
  • Provides schools the resources to serve wholesome, UPF-free meals
  • Empowers consumers through better labeling and increased ingredient transparency
If you share this vision, join us. Sign up to receive updates, new research from our scientific contributors, and tools to keep you healthy.
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