9.27.2012 Oakland’s Measure J, “Improve Quality of Oakland Schools & School Facilities”, if passed would provide $44 million to fund school food facility improvements throughout Oakland Unified School District (OUSD). Because of CFPA’s commitment to increasing low-income Californians’ access to nutritious, affordable food, we support Measure J since it will enable OUSD to provide fresh, healthy and appealing school meals to over 45,000 students.
The Center for Ecoliteracy, an Oakland based organization known for their work on school food reform, produced a feasibility study for OUSD, link, which examined how the district could improve school food. The school board passed the Facilities Master Plan in the summer of 2012, and voted to put the facilities bond measure on the November ballot.
What Happens If Measure J Is Approved?
District projects prioritized to receive funding
- Upgrade kitchen facilities to improve nutrition and nutritional education
- Seismic upgrades of schools and classrooms to reduce danger from earthquakes
- Asbestos and lead paint removal
- Upgrade science labs, classrooms, computers and technology
- Repair bathrooms and unsafe playground areas
How much would school food facilities receive?
- The measure earmarks $44 million for school food facilities improvements
What changes would be made to school food facilities?
- A large central commissary kitchen with a large community garden
- 17 school would be updated to have full cooking kitchens
- 53 schools would get “finishing” kitchens in order to receive and serve meals prepared at the commissary kitchen
- 14 schools would become community kitchens that communities could use for small business support, and cooking lessons, thereby generating an income for the district
Why Does CFPA Support Measure J?
Measure J:
- Provides financial resources to support and strengthen school meal programs in OUSD by increasing the amount of freshly prepared food within the district
- Recognizes the important link between nutrition and academics. Healthy students are successful students, and healthy students need nutritious and appealing meals.
- Creates the opportunity for Oakland to be a statewide and nationwide leader in school food
What can you do?
- Learn more about Measure J
- If you are an Oakland resident, vote “Yes” for Measure J on November 6, 2012.
- Spread the word about Measure J or volunteer to support the measure.
Questions? Contact Markell Lewis at 510.433.1122 x107
