The vision of the School Lunch Initiative (SLI) is to connect formal academic subjects with experiential learning in instructional gardens, kitchen classrooms and the school lunch room to awaken the senses and encourage awareness and appreciation of the values of nourishment, community and stewardship of the land. As part of the learning experience, SLI will provide all students with delicious, healthy, seasonal meals made from local, sustainably grown ingredients. As part of the curriculum, students will be involved in activities that include growing, preparing, serving and enjoying food with adults and peers.

The project began in 2004 to design and implement curriculum and food service innovations in a public school setting. This project is a public/private partnership of the Berkeley Unified School District, the Center for Ecoliteracy, and the Chez Panisse Foundation.